The Peloponnesian War, by Donald Kagan, brings together the work of Thucydides, describing the conflict of Athens, a democratic society where the majority made choices to advance the city, and Sparta, a minimalist city with mixed government and an emphasis on the military, in the Hellenistic world and the eventual victory of the Spartans. The Rise of the Roman Empire, as described by Polybius, tells the story of Rome, an expansionist empire with an almost politically equal class system, and its victories over Carthage, a sparsely populated but wealthy merchant state, during the Punic Wars. Both works serve to describe the complex situations and actions taken to accomplish what has become a story, which can be simplified using a resources and capabilities framework where capacity describes the ability to use resources effectively strategic. Through a framework of resources and capabilities, the ability of leaders to utilize allies, soldiers, and opportunities for technological advancement led to the victories and defeats of those involved in wars. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Perhaps Rome's greatest strength lies in its treatment of its allies, harboring loyal and helpful city-states. Rome used a tier system that would allow allies to compete with each other to further aid Rome; competition for a better level remained fierce due to the advantages granted to the ally, indicating a symbiotic relationship between Rome and its allies (Polybius 313). This system worked effectively because many states felt involved in Rome's success and thus aligned their own interests with Rome's goals. The ability of the Roman civilization to use its allied city-state resources, which it acquired through the continued protection of the allies, and its ability to develop this alliance into a mutually beneficial alliance demonstrates the diplomatic capacity which Rome had. Likewise, Sparta's diplomatic abilities, acquired during its struggle with Athens, allowed them to seek more allies outside of just the resources of their existing allies. Lysander's leadership enabled a connection with the Persian Empire and a relationship that contributed to the final effort to end the Peloponnesian War (Kagan 470). Sparta's capacity for military prowess also attracted allies, such as Megara, who opposed hostile treatment from Athens (Kagan 19). Although Rome and Sparta were successful in obtaining this capability, it represented a mistake by Athens, which failed to manage this resource properly. Athens, like other empires, obtained tribute from its allies, but abused this power in war to the discouragement of its empire; many protested the increased tributes imposed by Athens to replenish its treasury after the First Peloponnesian War. Indeed, the treatment seemed so harsh that when Athens showed weakness after its defeat in the Sicilian expedition, many city-states defected (Kagan 189 328). This is due to a period of ineffective leadership, following the death of Cleon in the Battle of Amphipolis, and thus many policies decided by Nicias, a man unfit for aggressive warfare due to his "upright and reserved" character. ". (Kagan 187, 99). Likewise, Carthage had resources in allies, but the failure of its leaders to properly protect them, as did the error of the indecisive and demoralized Carthaginian leaders who "made no attempt to challenge thepossession of the open country”, led to doubt in public opinion. Carthage's capacity. Rome seized this opportunity, attacking Syracuse to the point of leaving the Carthaginian alliance to ally with Rome, as did many other city-states in Sicily (Polybius 56-7). The lack of aggressive leadership, absent in both Carthage and Rome, demonstrated a lack of capabilities required for the wars being fought, demonstrating their inability to properly capitalize on over-resources due to incompatible leaders. Rome also possessed military generals capable of creating grand strategy for their armies. The Roman Empire had the soldiers necessary to fight a land war, but needed a general who could use this strategic resource. Scipio was used for this, because he possessed such talent “that all those who came under his authority were moved of their own accord to pay him this tribute and to speak of him as a king” (Polybius 423). His genius, demonstrated through his grand strategy, allowed Rome to succeed in battle; indeed, they revered him for his talents and the prowess he demonstrated. Carthage compensates for its lack of soldiers by spending its wealth to hire mercenaries from Africa; indeed, Carthage's financial resources helped it prepare for war, and the civilization's ability to use this advantage shaped its military path. Despite acquiring the necessary force, the decisions of generals Hamilcar and Hannibal guided Carthage's successes and failures, not to mention that "the Carthaginians depend at all times on the courage of mercenaries to safeguard their prospects for freedom" (Polybius 345 ). Sparta also used "outside" men for its army, but was careful not to rely entirely on them, as the bulk of the army was still made up of its original skilled warriors. It allowed men belonging to the mothake class, below the aristocrats, to gain power, and also for helots to join the army and fight for their freedom; this system allowed Sparta to increase the size of its army during the long war (Kagan 75). Their mentality of a quick victory had changed since the beginning of the war, but the feeling of attacking to win allowed Sparta to continue with its own power until it recognized the need for a strong navy and of a larger strategy, provided by leader Lysander (Kagan 469). The leaders' proper use of soldiers shows how the military proceeded in these wars. Technological achievements, due to the abilities of Roman engineers, also helped shape the outcome of battles. For example, before the Punic Wars, Rome did not have a good navy, but created one after plundering Carthage's ships and creating plans of the ships to be built (Polybius 64). This resource of the ship would have been useless without its reproduction and would indeed have remained inferior to Carthage's power without innovations like the "raven", a device used to board other ships; indeed, this device proved effective in helping the Romans win the Battle of Mylae and the Battle of Ecnomus (Polybius 66, 68). Syracuse also managed to build a fortress, reminiscent of the long walls of Athens, thanks to the genius of Archimedes, a situation in which the intellectual resources of a single person were used by the city to ensure military defense and offensive strong during the Second Punic War. (Polybius 365-6). Similarly, Athens used the knowledge gained from its shipbuilding industry to further improve the navy and strengthen other technological capabilities within the city. In this way, competent workers, capable..