The First Proxy War: How Persia Bankrolled the Peloponnesian War

Wars can be controlled from afar. This episode explains how ancient Persia, after failing to conquer Greece directly, funded Sparta to weaken Athens — effectively inventing proxy warfare.

We trace the economic power of Athens' silver mines, Persia's strategic financial support, and the parallels to modern conflicts where outside funding prolongs wars. Follow the money to see who truly benefits from continued fighting.