History of the Peloponnesian War · Theme
Power and Empire
How History of the Peloponnesian War develops Power and Empire.
The narrative extensively explores the dynamics of imperial expansion, the growth of Athenian power from supremacy to empire, and the resulting tensions with Sparta and other states, as seen in the causes of the war and the speeches about Athenian ambition.
Where it surfaces
- History of the Peloponnesian War
The struggle for dominance between Athens and Sparta drives the narrative, highlighting the corrupting and transformative nature of imperial ambition.
- Book I
Thucydides traces the growth of Athenian power from the Persian Wars to the eve of the Peloponnesian War, showing how empire-building created fear and resentment among other Greek states.
- The State of Greece from the Earliest Times to the Commencement of the Peloponnesian War
Thucydides traces the growth of power from early tribal migrations to the naval empires of Minos and Agamemnon, culminating in the rival hegemonies of Athens and Sparta.
- Chapter II
Athens' decision to ally with Corcyra and its actions against Potidaea reflect its imperial ambitions to control naval power and suppress revolts among its tributary allies.
- IV
Athens consolidates control over allies through tribute and military force, building walls and a navy to secure imperial dominance.
- Second Congress at Lacedaemon: Preparations for War and Diplomatic Skirmishes
Athens strengthens its empire while Sparta hesitates, leading to inevitable conflict over dominance.
- Book III
Athens' brutal suppression of Mitylene and the debate over whether to execute all men or only the leaders highlights the ruthless logic of imperial power.
- IX
Athens' imperial expansion is central: the Mitylenians describe how Athens enslaved most allies while maintaining a pretense of equality with them, and how fear of eventual subjugation drove them to revolt.
- XIII
Athenian ambition to dominate Sicily and the punishment of their generals for failing to subdue the island reflect the imperial drive and its consequences.
- Book V
Athens' subjugation of Melos in the Melian Dialogue starkly illustrates the brutal exercise of power and the imperial mindset that drives Athenian foreign policy.
- The Melian Dialogue
The Athenians openly assert that empire is maintained by force, not justice, and that neutrality is unacceptable because it signals weakness to subjects.
- XX
Alcibiades outlines Athens' grand imperial ambitions to conquer Sicily, Italy, Carthage, and ultimately the Peloponnese.
