The centre of learning in the ancient world, Athens profits well from its cultural exports, and its naval supremacy means it is geared for greater naval production capacity than its neighbours. The prize is effective control over the entire country Athenai's naval might is matched by Sparta's superior land forces, either city - or indeed its Korinthian or Boiotian allies - could emerge from the ensuing conflict, victorious, to claim it! Just fifty years after the end of the Persian invasions, war once again looms over the Peloponnesus. However, Sparta resents this new found influence. This state of affairs is, of course, how it should be Athenai leads the Greek world in mathematics, science, philosophy and architecture - it should be its protector also. Its prestige at an all-time high, Athenian military hegemony, as well as trade and cultural supremacy, now seems likely, and with it a chance for revenge.

Each time, Athenai proved pivotal to its defeat, winning a stunning final naval victory at Salamis in 479 BCE.

Empire total war minor factions revenge