464 BC facts for kids

The year 464 BC was a time of significant events in ancient Greece, particularly for the powerful city-state of Sparta. While many years in history pass quietly, 464 BC is remembered for a natural disaster that changed the course of Spartan history and affected its relationships with other Greek cities.

What Happened in 464 BC?

The Great Sparta Earthquake

A City Shaken

In 464 BC, a massive earthquake struck the Peloponnese region of ancient Greece. The city of Sparta, known for its strong military and strict way of life, was hit especially hard. Many buildings were destroyed, and a large number of Spartan citizens lost their lives. The earthquake caused widespread damage and chaos throughout the city.

The Helot Revolt Begins

Sparta relied heavily on a group of people called helots. Helots were like state-owned slaves, mostly from the region of Messenia, who were forced to work the land for the Spartans. They greatly outnumbered the Spartan citizens and were often treated very harshly. The earthquake created a perfect opportunity for the helots to rise up. Seeing Sparta weakened and in disarray, the helots launched a major revolt against their Spartan masters. This uprising is known as the Third Messenian War.

Sparta's Call for Help

Athens and the Alliance

The helot revolt was a serious threat to Sparta's survival. The Spartans, despite their military strength, found themselves struggling to put down the rebellion. They decided to ask for help from their allies, including Athens, another powerful Greek city-state. Athens and Sparta were often rivals, but they had also worked together in the past, especially during the Greco-Persian Wars.

The Athenians debated whether to help Sparta. Some argued against it, pointing out Sparta's past actions. However, a respected Athenian leader named Cimon convinced them to send troops. He believed that Greece needed both Sparta and Athens to be strong to protect themselves from outside threats. So, Athens sent a large force of hoplites (citizen-soldiers) to assist Sparta.

Why Was This Important?

Seeds of Conflict

The earthquake and the helot revolt had lasting effects. Although Athens sent help, the Spartans eventually sent the Athenian troops home, fearing their influence or intentions. This act deeply offended the Athenians and led to a breakdown in trust between the two major powers. This growing tension between Sparta and Athens would eventually contribute to the outbreak of the devastating Peloponnesian War decades later. The events of 464 BC showed how a natural disaster could trigger social unrest and change political alliances in the ancient world.

See also

In Spanish: 464 a. C. para niños