The Peloponnesian War began in 431 B.C. and lasted 27 years. It pitted the Athenians against the combined might of the Spartans and Corinthians. Most of the extant comedies of Aristophanes were written during this war and satirize many of the generals and political figures of the time. The Peloponnesian War ended in 404 B.C. when Athens finally surrendered.