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History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapters

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Chapter companions for History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Dedication

    The translator dedicates the work to Connop Thirlwall, historian of Greece, acknowledging his predecessor's influence.

  2. Chapter 2

    History of the Peloponnesian War

    This chapter introduces the overarching narrative of the Peloponnesian War, detailing its origins, key events, and the complex interplay of power, strategy, and human nature that defined the conflict between Athens and Sparta.

  3. Chapter 3

    Book I

    Thucydides introduces his history of the Peloponnesian War, arguing it will be the greatest war in Greek history. He recounts the early history of Greece, the rise of Athenian power after the Persian Wars, and the events leading to the war, including the Epidamnus dispute, the Corcyraean conflict, and the siege of Potidaea. The book also features the speeches of the Corinthians and Athenians at Sparta, the Spartan debate and vote for war, and Pericles' war speech in Athens.

  4. Chapter 4

    The State of Greece from the Earliest Times to the Commencement of the Peloponnesian War

    Thucydides introduces his history of the Peloponnesian War, arguing that it was the greatest movement in history. He traces the early development of Hellas from a period of constant migration and weakness, through the rise of navies under Minos, the Trojan War led by Agamemnon, and the gradual consolidation of power. He describes the growth of Athens and Sparta after the Persian Wars, the formation of alliances, and the eventual split into two rival blocs. He also critiques popular misconceptions about history, such as the story of Harmodius and Aristogiton, and emphasizes the importance of critical inquiry.

  5. Chapter 5

    Chapter II

    The Corcyraeans and Corinthians present competing arguments before the Athenian assembly, each seeking an alliance. The Athenians ultimately side with Corcyra, leading to a naval battle at Sybota. Tensions escalate as Potidaea revolts, drawing in Athens, Corinth, and Macedonia, setting the stage for the Peloponnesian War.

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  1. Chapter 6Congress of the Peloponnesian Confederacy at Lacedaemon
  2. Chapter 7IV
  3. Chapter 8Second Congress at Lacedaemon: Preparations for War and Diplomatic Skirmishes
  4. Chapter 9Book II
  5. Chapter 10VI
  6. Chapter 11VII
  7. Chapter 12VIII
  8. Chapter 13Book III
  9. Chapter 14IX
  10. Chapter 15The Corcyraean Revolution and Its Aftermath
  11. Chapter 16XI
  12. Chapter 17Book IV
  13. Chapter 18Chapter XII
  14. Chapter 19XIII
  15. Chapter 20XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas
  16. Chapter 21Book V
  17. Chapter 22The Peace of Nicias and the End of the First War
  18. Chapter 23XVI
  19. Chapter 24The Melian Dialogue
  20. Chapter 25Book VI
  21. Chapter 26XVIII
  22. Chapter 27XIX
  23. Chapter 28XX
  24. Chapter 29Book VII
  25. Chapter 30Chapter XXI
  26. Chapter 31XXII
  27. Chapter 32The Final Catastrophe
  28. Chapter 33Book VIII
  29. Chapter 34Nineteenth and twentieth years of the war — Revolt of Ionia — Intervention of Persia — The War in Ionia
  30. Chapter 35Intrigues and Oligarchic Conspiracies
  31. Chapter 36XXVI
  32. Chapter 37Plans