# War and Its Consequences in History of the Peloponnesian War

> Theme guide for History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

The book details the devastating effects of war, including the plague of Athens, the destruction of cities like Plataea, the Corcyraean revolution with its horrific internal violence, and the ultimate annihilation of the Athenian army in Sicily.

## Where it surfaces

- [The State of Greece from the Earliest Times to the Commencement of the Peloponnesian War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/i): The chapter sets the stage for the Peloponnesian War as the greatest conflict in history, shaped by earlier wars and the constant practice of military affairs.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/ii): The naval battle at Sybota and the siege of Potidaea demonstrate the immediate and escalating consequences of diplomatic failures, leading to open conflict.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/iv): The brutal siege of Thasos, the stoning of Corinthian troops in a trench, and the Helot revolt illustrate the human cost of conflict.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/vi): The chapter details the outbreak of war, the preparations of both sides, and the ominous predictions and prophecies that accompany the conflict.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/vii): The plague, the siege of Potidaea, and the execution of envoys all demonstrate the devastating human and moral costs of war.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/viii): The chapter details the Athenian defeat at Spartolus with heavy losses, the ravaging of territories by Thracian forces, and the strategic devastation of Acarnania, highlighting the brutal realities of war.
- [The Corcyraean Revolution and Its Aftermath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/x): The chapter illustrates how war acts as a 'rough master,' bringing men's characters to the level of their fortunes and providing pretexts for revolutionary violence and foreign intervention.
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xi): The chapter details the devastating second plague in Athens, earthquakes, and military campaigns that erode Athenian power and morale.
- [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-iv): The brutal realities of war are highlighted through the siege of Pylos, the massacre at Sphacteria, and the destruction caused by Brasidas' campaigns.
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xii): The brutal reality of war is highlighted by the Spartan surrender, the blockade, and the subsequent Messenian raids on Laconia.
- [The Peace of Nicias and the End of the First War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xv): The chapter details the exhaustion and devastation on both sides after ten years of war, including Athenian defeats, Spartan losses at Pylos, and the plundering of Spartan territory, which directly drive the desire for peace.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xvi): Thucydides reflects on the entire 27-year war, noting the instability of the armistice and the cumulative destruction; the chapter shows how unresolved grievances lead to renewed conflict.
- [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-vii): The chapter depicts the brutal reality of war: the annihilation of an entire army, the suffering of prisoners, and the strategic miscalculations that lead to catastrophe.
- [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxi): The chapter details the devastating impact of the permanent occupation of Decelea on Athens, including slave desertions, loss of livestock, and financial ruin.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxii): The physical and moral deterioration of the Athenian army, disease, and the squandering of resources illustrate the devastating toll of prolonged war.
- [The Final Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xxiii): The chapter depicts the catastrophic end of the Athenian expedition, with the army's desperate retreat and the psychological and physical toll of war on both sides.
- [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): The chapter vividly depicts the devastating impact of the Sicilian disaster on Athens, including despair, resource scarcity, and the fear of total defeat.
- [Plans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/plans): The detailed battle plans underscore the pervasive impact of war on Greek city-states and the high stakes of military engagements.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/themes/war_and_its_consequences
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/themes