Editing Spartan hegemony (section)

==Sparta after hegemony==
During the Spartan hegemony in Athens there is evidence of [[criticism of democracy]]. A document in the 420s BC by a political writer known as the "[[Old Oligarch]]" demonstrates the anti-democratic sentiments in Athens. The “Old Oligarch’s” political outlook is shaped by his belief that the economic classes were the source to political motivation; this view is a direct rejection of democracy's efforts to establish civil unity. The “Old Oligarch” argues that the polis by nature is a battlefield rather than a site of public dialogue because individuals side with their socio-economic rank.<ref>Balot, Ryan K. ''Greek Political Thought.'' Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2006.</ref> Yet, despite this anti-democratic feeling, democracy eventually returned to Athens after the expulsion of the [[Thirty Tyrants]].

The importance of Sparta in politics largely drops off after Sparta's defeat at Leuctra. Following Agesilaus’ death in 360 BC, [[Archidamus III]] became king and practiced a policy of non-conflict between Athens and the Second Naval Confederacy (357–355 BC).  Between 355 and 346 BC, they allied with Athens against Thebes and the [[Amphictyonic Council]] effectively pulling Theban attention away from the Peloponnese.<ref name = "Nigel, 2011"></ref>{{rp|159}}