An event that caused social tension in Athens during the fifth century BCE was known as the Second Peloponnesian War (461 BCE). Ancient sources from this period, including Epitaphios Logos and Lysistrata, when combined with additional evidence, reveal the social tensions that the Athenians faced during this time. This describes Athenism which caused tension in construction. At the end of the Persian Wars, Athens materialized with Sparta. as the two main powers of the Greek world. As Athens grew in confidence, their promotion of "Athenism" was an attempt to place Athens at the head of its empire. This growing confidence is demonstrated in the building program of the 440s and 430s BCE, such as that of the Parthenon. As Robson states, “[t]he Parthenon and its sculptures can certainly be seen as celebrating the spiritual life, military prowess, and cultural pre-eminence of Athens” (Robson, ECW, p. 99). This can be seen as architectural evidence of growing self-confidence, for example the southern frost of the Parthenon; the modern interpretation undoubtedly represents the Battle of Marathon. Seen as a promotion of Athenian military ascendancy and coupled with an attitude of superiority over other Greek states, this combined campaign raised tensions with Sparta, inspiring the First Peloponnesian War. This describes the tension between Sparta and Athens in F/S. was according to Thus, delivered by Pericles during the first year of the Peloponnesian War. Pericles said in this speech that “…the admiration of present and future ages will be ours…” and how “…we have forced every sea and land to be the route of our daring…” (Pericles, funeral speech) . This can be seen as proof of the superiority... middle of paper... of all men what to do. The action and relationship between the two choruses parallels the action of the story; As tensions between men and women increase, so does fighting between choirs. When peace is declared, the choirs unite. But are these real tensions described by Aristophanes? Or was it simply a way of pointing out that the war with Sparta was so stupid that even women considered a lower form of human being could see it. But he might also have hoped to emphasize that men, who effectively had authority denied to women, should be ashamed of their inaction, especially when confronted with a woman's fictitious attempt to bring peace. Scholars, such as Price, have emphasized the need for Pericles to deliver this speech not only outlining the reasons for the war. , but also what they are fighting for.