# Hermocrates — History of the Peloponnesian War character guide

> Hermocrates in History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

**Role:** major

**First appearance:** 0002-book-i

## Snapshot

Syracuse's most persuasive citizen-general, who warns Sicily that Athenian help always arrives with a hidden invoice.

## Who they are

At the congress in Gela, Hermocrates argues that Sicilian Greeks should settle their quarrels before Athens exploits them, and his speech is a masterclass in strategic foresight. He is a democrat by conviction in a city that will later turn on him, and his authority rests on persuasion rather than force. His resistance shapes Syracuse's decision to fight rather than submit, setting the stage for the city's improbable survival.

## In the story

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xiii)

Delivers a speech at the Gela congress urging Sicilian unity against Athenian aggression, successfully brokering peace among the Sicilian cities.

### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-vi)

Syracusan leader who advocates for preparing defenses and seeking Spartan aid against the Athenian invasion.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xix)

Son of Hermon, he persuades the Syracusans of the reality of the Athenian expedition and advises preparations, including seeking alliances with Sicels, Italy, Carthage, and Sparta.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xx)

Syracusan leader; Syracusan envoys are sent to Corinth and Lacedaemon to seek assistance.

### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-vii)

Syracusan leader who urged aggressive action against the Athenians and helped coordinate the defense.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxi)

Actively encourages the Syracusans to attack the Athenian navy, arguing that boldness will intimidate the enemy.

### [The Final Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxiii)

Hermocrates suspects the Athenian intention to retreat by land and warns the Syracusan authorities, urging them to block the roads and guard the passes to prevent the enemy's escape.

### [Nineteenth and twentieth years of the war — Revolt of Ionia — Intervention of Persia — The War in Ionia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxiv)

Syracusan leader who urges the Sicilian allies to join the Peloponnesian fleet to finish off Athens.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/hermocrates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters