What is Athens and Sparta?

Athens & Sparta is a strategic-level block game of the Peloponnesian War, fought from 431 BC to 404 BC. This war pitted the superior wealth and naval power of Athens against the militarism of Sparta. The conflict was bloody, filled with heroic triumphs and devastating atrocities. Ultimately, Sparta’s victory ended the Golden Age of Greece.

City-States at War: Learning from History!

This game offers valuable insight into the strategies and struggles of the Peloponnesian War. One player leads the wealthy, sea-faring Athenians, while the other commands the powerful Spartan armies. By competing for control of vital Greek city-states, players quickly see why the war was fought in the way it was and how ancient strategies still shape military thought today.

The “Columbia Block System“

Athens & Sparta uses the famous Columbia Block System, a game design that changed wargaming forever. Each piece’s information faces the player but not the opponent. As a result, gameplay includes a genuine “fog of war” that creates space for feints, bluffs, and outright surprises. The system also uses step-reduction: when units take damage, players simply rotate the block to show reduced strength. This innovative design remains a favorite among gamers who appreciate subtle strategy.

Watch a video about the Columbia Block System here!

Download the Rules!

Want to dive into a little light reading? Then download the rules! They’re easy to follow and only eight pages long, so you can start playing in no time.

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Learn the “Columbia Block System” right now!

What makes Julius Caesar also special is that it uses the “Columbia Block System“. It’s a system with the fog-of-war built into it that keep each opponent guessing! The combat system is simple and easy adapted for other genres with simple tweaks.

Go ahead and watch this short video that will get you up to speed in a matter of four minutes.

Afterward, be sure to download the rules to read the rest.

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What others say about Athens and Sparta

A medium sized operational wargame of an era I know little of. Besides the historical discussion of military accuracy, I find the game tense and very intriguing to play. The overall situation at start poses a problem for both players. The usage of cards to generate opportunities for grabbing VPs are really great and exciting.

alexisW Comment on BoardGameGeek

This one follows right along the path of Crusader Rex with a bit of a twist on how the points move individual blocks. Many of the same mechanics however that are found in other familiar CG games. The interesting aspect of this one is one side is ground force heavy (Sparta) and one with a large naval influence (Athens) making for different strategy depending on which side you play.

Walt Mulder comment from BoardGameGeek

Continuing with the Hammer of the Scots, Crusader Rex theme, Athens & Sparta uses similar mechanics from both introducing trireme warfare and incorporating siege. Neutral cities that can ally themselves to you when attacked by your opponent makes things interesting. The victory conditions as stated make this almost inevitable.

tonycridercomment from BoardGameGeek

Simpler than most Pelop games without being mindless, plays quickly once you’ve learned which attacks work. I particularly like the flavoursome Revolt rules.

Charles Vaseycomment from BoardGameGeek