The Peloponnesian War Summary
When I was a young lad, I was fascinated by the Greek myths. I especially loved the fabulous accounts of the gods told by Herodotus who could tell the amazing tales in a way that brought them almost to life. However, as I grew older, I began to see the world through more critical eyes and rejected the stories I once loved so much as foolishness. It was during these adolescent years that I came upon a manuscript by the great historian Thucydides who cut away any nonsense in his writing. To Thucydides, the past was something worthy of being seriously studied. His work the History of the Peloponnesian War is a masterpiece. Unfortunately, his account of the war, which began in 431, has only been completed up to the year 411. He may get a bit further in his old age, but it is highly unlikely he makes it all the way to the current day in 403 B.C. where history is surely to be made. This is my opportunity to make something of myself. I have been aimlessly travelling the world with my father on his grain ships, avoiding my duty as a soldier and observing different systems of government throughout Greece and the surrounding countries. I have talked with countless democrats, oligarchs, and tyrants, yet I am still not sure which system will be the best for our beloved Athens. History is going to be made in the next few months, and I plan to follow in
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As I walked through the streets to the Pnyx, citizens of Athens could be seen in groups talking amongst themselves. The next few months could change Athens forever. Momentous decisions would be made, and I was still not sure what I thought was best. As I reached the Pnyx, I looked at the open semicircular area and then over at the Acropolis the Spartans had occupied just a week before. (Pnyx) I looked down upon the city of Athens and wondered what would become of the city and its citizens. Only time could tell, and I stepped into the
As I walked through the streets to the Pnyx, citizens of Athens could be seen in groups talking amongst themselves. The next few months could change Athens forever. Momentous decisions would be made, and I was still not sure what I thought was best. As I reached the Pnyx, I looked at the open semicircular area and then over at the Acropolis the Spartans had occupied just a week before. (Pnyx) I looked down upon the city of Athens and wondered what would become of the city and its citizens. Only time could tell, and I stepped into the