The Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War was Pericles, a prominent and influential leader of Athens. He played a key role in the early phases of the war between Athens and Sparta (431-404 BCE). Pericles is credited with transforming Athens into a cultural and military powerhouse, fostering democracy, and spearheading the construction of significant architectural projects like the Parthenon. His strategies focused on leveraging Athenian naval supremacy while avoiding land battles against Sparta’s formidable army. Ultimately, his leadership faced challenges, and his death during a plague significantly affected Athenian morale and political dynamics in the war.