Answer:
The military strength of ancient Athens was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it allowed Athens to become a dominant power in the ancient world and to defend itself against foreign threats. It also allowed Athens to build a large navy and to control the sea routes around the Aegean, which was vital for its economy and its trade.
On the other hand, the cost of maintaining a strong military put a significant strain on the Athenian economy, and contributed to the city's eventual decline. In addition, the constant state of war and militarization had a negative impact on Athenian society, leading to increased levels of violence and political instability.