Corinth and Sparta were two powerful Greek city-states that were often in conflict with each other. The rivalry between the two cities was due in part to their different political systems. Corinth was a democracy, while Sparta was an oligarchy. The Corinthians were also more open to trade and commerce than the Spartans, who were more focused on military conquest.
The rivalry between Corinth and Sparta came to a head in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC). The war was fought between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Delian League, led by Athens. Corinth was a member of the Peloponnesian League, and fought against Athens and its allies.
The Peloponnesian War ended in a victory for Sparta. Corinth was one of the cities that was hardest hit by the war. The city was sacked by the Spartans, and many of its citizens were killed or enslaved.
After the Peloponnesian War, Corinth was no longer a major power in Greece. The city was eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire.
Athens
Athens was another major rival of Corinth. The rivalry between the two cities was due in part to their different economic systems. Corinth was a wealthy trading city, while Athens was a center of learning and culture. The Corinthians were also more focused on the present, while the Athenians were more interested in the future.
The rivalry between Corinth and Athens came to a head in the First Peloponnesian War (459-446 BC). The war was fought between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Delian League, led by Athens. Corinth was a member of the Peloponnesian League, and fought against Athens and its allies.
The First Peloponnesian War ended in a truce. However, the rivalry between Corinth and Athens continued. The two cities eventually fought again in the Second Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC).
The Second Peloponnesian War ended in a victory for Sparta. Corinth was one of the cities that was hardest hit by the war. The city was sacked by the Spartans, and many of its citizens were killed or enslaved.
After the Second Peloponnesian War, Corinth was no longer a major power in Greece. The city was eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire.