History of the Peloponnesian War · Question
How does History of the Peloponnesian War develop the theme of Alliance and Betrayal?
Answer
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides develops Alliance and Betrayal across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The shifting loyalties of city-states, the breaking of treaties, and the manipulation of alliances are central, as seen in the revolt of Mytilene, the Spartan-Athenian negotiations, and the Egestaeans' deceptive appeals to Athens for aid.
The Corcyraeans and Corinthians each appeal to Athens for alliance, while Perdiccas shifts allegiances, and Potidaea revolts against Athens, illustrating the fragile and shifting nature of alliances.
Corinth accuses Sparta of neglecting its allies, highlighting tensions within the Peloponnesian League.
The first open quarrel between Athens and Sparta arises from mutual suspicion, leading Athens to ally with Argos and break the anti-Persian alliance.
Evidence in the book
- Chapter II
The Corcyraeans and Corinthians each appeal to Athens for alliance, while Perdiccas shifts allegiances, and Potidaea revolts against Athens, illustrating the fragile and shifting nature of alliances.
- Congress of the Peloponnesian Confederacy at Lacedaemon
Corinth accuses Sparta of neglecting its allies, highlighting tensions within the Peloponnesian League.
- IV
The first open quarrel between Athens and Sparta arises from mutual suspicion, leading Athens to ally with Argos and break the anti-Persian alliance.
- Second Congress at Lacedaemon: Preparations for War and Diplomatic Skirmishes
Pausanias's secret dealings with Persia and the manipulation of religious curses highlight betrayals within and between states.
- VIII
Perdiccas secretly aids the Peloponnesians while allied with Athens, and Sitalces' nephew Seuthes is bribed to persuade the Thracian king to retreat, demonstrating the fragility of alliances.
- IX
The Mitylenians justify their revolt by arguing that Athenian leadership has turned from liberation to subjugation, making true alliance impossible. They seek Spartan support, emphasizing that only mutual fear can sustain a trustworthy alliance.
- XIII
The Megarian betrayal plot and the Sicilian cities' decision to unite against Athens highlight the fragile nature of alliances and the prevalence of treachery.
- XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas
The plot to betray Siphae and Chaeronea to the Athenians, and Brasidas' efforts to win over Acanthus, underscore the fragility of alliances.
