History of Greece, Volume 05 (of 12)
History of Greece, Volume 05 (of 12) by George Grote, published in the mid-19th century, provides a detailed account of Ancient Greek history from the Battle of Marathon to the Peace of Nikias. This volume focuses on the Persian invasion led by Xerxes, examining key battles such as Salamis and Platæa, as well as the political and military strategies of Athens and Persia. Grote's work is notable for its comprehensive analysis of the rise of Athenian power and the intricate alliances and betrayals that characterized this pivotal period in Greek history.
About History of Greece, Volume 05 (of 12)
Chapter Summaries
- XXXVIII
- Darius, enraged by the defeat at Marathon, plans a second invasion but dies. His son Xerxes, after reconquering Egypt, is persuaded by Mardonius and the mystic Onomakritus to invade Greece. Xerxes undertakes immense preparations, including building a bridge across the Hellespont and cutting a canal through Mount Athos, then marches his vast, diverse army to Doriskus for a grand review.
- XXXIX
- The death of Spartan King Kleomenês leads to Æginetan complaints and a war with Athens. Themistoklês leverages this conflict to convince Athenians to build a powerful navy using Laurium silver. A Pan-Hellenic congress at Corinth attempts to unite Greece, but many states remain neutral or submit to Xerxes. A Greek force sent to defend the Tempê pass retreats, leaving northern Greece vulnerable.
- XL
- Greeks resolve to defend Thermopylae and Artemisium. Leonidas leads 300 Spartans and allies to Thermopylae, while Eurybiadês commands the fleet at Artemisium. A storm devastates the Persian fleet, but a Malian betrays a mountain path at Thermopylae, allowing the Persians to outflank the defenders. Leonidas and his men fight to the death; the Greek fleet, after indecisive battles, retreats from Artemisium.
Key Themes
- Hellenic Unity and Disunion
- The narrative consistently emphasizes the inherent disunity among Greek city-states, driven by local rivalries, self-interest, and fear, which repeatedly jeopardizes their collective defense against Persia. However, moments of shared peril, like the Persian invasion, force temporary Pan-Hellenic cooperation, showcasing the potential for unity despite deep-seated divisions.
- Despotism vs. Freedom
- The vast Persian Empire, under the absolute rule of Xerxes, represents a despotic force threatening the nascent freedoms of the Greek city-states. The Greeks, particularly the Athenians, are portrayed as champions of freedom and self-governance, willing to make immense sacrifices to resist subjugation, even as Athens itself begins to exert imperial control over its allies.
- Divine Intervention and Fate
- Herodotus frequently attributes significant events, such as destructive storms, favorable oracles, and premonitory dreams, to the direct intervention of the gods. This theme suggests a sense of divine will guiding or influencing human affairs, often punishing hubris (Xerxes) and aiding the righteous (Greeks), thereby shaping the course of history.
Characters
- Xerxes(antagonist)
- The Persian King who leads the massive invasion of Greece, characterized by vanity, timidity, and credulous rashness.
- Mardonius(supporting)
- A Persian general and cousin of Xerxes, who strongly advocates for the invasion of Greece and leads the land forces after Xerxes' retreat.
- Artabanus(supporting)
- Xerxes' uncle, who prudently advises against the invasion of Greece, but is ultimately compelled by divine dreams to support it.
- Demaratus(supporting)
- An exiled Spartan king who serves as an advisor to Xerxes, providing insights into Greek character and military prowess.
- Onomakritus(minor)
- A Greek mystic who provides Xerxes with prophecies favorable to the invasion of Greece, having previously been banished from Athens for interpolating oracles.
- Leonidas(protagonist)
- The Spartan king who leads the heroic, self-sacrificing defense of the Thermopylae pass against the overwhelming Persian forces.
