In order to combat athens's growing power in the wake of the persian wars, sparta led an alliance with its neighbors called the

Hey there!

After the Persian wars, Athens created a league of many city-states called the Delian League, and taxed the members of it in exchange for protection from the powerful navy of Athens. In response, Sparta decided to create a league of their own with their neighbors called the Peloponnesian League.

Tensions between the leagues created a conflict known as the Persian Wars that Sparta eventually won but weakened Greece. Finally, Philip II of Macedonia took advantage of the weakness of Greece, sent his army, and took over.

Hope this helps!