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Describe the transition and methods used to turn a Delain League into an Athenian Empire
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“The Delian League had long possessed the trappings of an empire, but at this point it clearly became an empire, or, to use the Greek term, an arche. In the official documents we even find a reference to the ‘Athenians and those over whom they rule’ The peace treaty with Sparta reflects this, too-it speaks not of a military alliance against Persia but two Greek power centres facing each other. Relations within the Delian league can be deduced from the speeches Thucydides included in his history and also from a number of inscriptions, including tribute lists and various treaties. In the speeches, what is most striking is the tyrannical power Athens exercised over its allies, something Pericles and other orators pointed at with pride. They assert that the foundations of this power were laid when Athens, at the request of its allies, assumed leadership in the war against Persia. The Athenians had kept the alliance alive for three reasons, the same three that motivate most powerful men- honour, wealth and fear. The Athenians, like the Spartans, had only one choice, either to rule by might or to put their own position in Jeopardy”. (Meier, C. Athens, p. 358) The move from the Delian League into the Athenian Empire was due to various methods employed by the Athenians. Although there is no evidence to suggest that this was an Athenian long-term plan, the potential to do so was there from the beginning. Athens use of garrisons, oaths and cleruchs and the ever-growing Athenian navy, was enough to protect Athens from any attack. Along with the Conquest of Boeotia and Aegina cemented this fear of Athenian aggression. The transfer of the treasury to Athens and subject states paying tribute was enough to make Athens a force not be reckoned with. These methods to ‘harness’ the Greek city states would come at a cost, yet would produce one of the greatest of its time the Athenian Empire. In some of the states Athens found it necessary to install military garrisons. There were a number of important reasons for this. In most Greek states there were political rivalries between Democrats and the few Oligarchs. Also to protect the majority of citizens who remained loyal to Athens. They also served a political purpose. They were there to protect Athenian officials who were sent out to install democratic governments or at least ones favourable to Athens. When peace was made with Persia the garrisons remained to protect Athens.
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