• from 431 to 404 bce
  
• 431: Sparta's declaration of war
  
• 404: Athenian surrender and reduction to status of Spartan ally
  

Three Major Phases:

• 431-21: Archidamian or Ten Years War
  
• 421-413: Interlude or "Peace of Nicias"
  
• 413-404: Decelean or Ionian War