The Peloponnesian War was a military conflict that took place between Athens and the Delian League, and Sparta and the Peloponnesian League from 431 - 404 B.C. The multiphase war ended with the destruction of Athens' naval fleet and its eventual surrender. Athens lost its place as the powerhouse of the Greek city-states, and Sparta quickly took over the title. Athens never fully recovered financially, culturally, or militarily.