Final answer:
The phrase that best describes the result of the Peloponnesian War is a Spartan victory. Spartan allies with Persia were key to their win, and this led to the fall of the Athenian Empire. However, the war's consequences were complex and resulted in broader cultural impacts and eventual shifts in power away from Sparta. Therefore, the correct option is c) a Spartan victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase that best describes the result of the Peloponnesian War is c) a Spartan victory. The long and arduous conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, known as the Peloponnesian War, lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. Sparta, aligned with Persia, ultimately emerged as the victor. After a series of battles and strategic moves, including the disaster that befell Athens in Syracuse and a crucial victory at the Battle of Aegospotami, Athens was forced to surrender. This surrender led to the end of the Athenian Empire and solidified Spartan supremacy in the Greek world for a short period.
Despite the Spartan victory, the Peloponessian War had widespread consequences, weakening the military and political power of the city-states involved. The aftermath saw Sparta's attempt to control the other Greek city-states and the installation of pro-Spartan governments, including the oligarchic Thirty Tyrants in Athens. Nevertheless, Sparta's dominance was short-lived, as their reversal on promises to Persia and internal societal changes led to the rise of other powers like Thebes.