History of Greece, Volume 07, written by George Grote and first published in 1856, provides a detailed examination of ancient Greek history, particularly during the Peloponnesian War. This volume focuses on the political landscape following the Peace of Nikias, detailing the complexities of alliances and tensions among Greek city-states. It highlights the challenges faced by Sparta in maintaining control over its allies and the political maneuvering of Athens under leaders like Nikias, setting the stage for further conflicts and shifts in power dynamics.
About History of Greece, Volume 07 (of 12)
Chapter Summaries
- LV
- This chapter details the Peace of Nikias (421 B.C.) between Athens and Sparta, its conditions, and the refusal of powerful Peloponnesian allies (Corinth, Megara, Boeotia, Elis) to accept it. It describes the subsequent separate defensive alliance between Athens and Sparta, Athens's restoration of Spartan captives, and the resulting discontent among Sparta's allies. Alkibiadês emerges as a political leader, initially seeking Spartan favor but turning against them after being slighted, leading Athens into an alliance with Argos, Elis, and Mantineia. The chapter concludes with the memorable Olympic festival of 420 B.C., where Alkibiadês makes an extravagant display, and the Eleians exclude Sparta.
- LVI
- Alkibiadês initiates a new Athenian policy of intra-Peloponnesian intervention, leading an expedition that secures Patræ as an ally and attempts to fortify Cape Rhium. The Argeians, with Athenian support, attack Epidaurus, using a calendar trick to justify their actions during a sacred truce. A peace congress at Mantineia fails, and the Lacedæmonians, under King Agis, invade Argos. Agis grants an armistice without consulting allies, drawing severe censure. The Athenian contingent under Lachês and Nikostratus arrives, and Alkibiadês persuades the allies to resume war, leading to the capture of Orchomenus. The chapter culminates in the Battle of Mantineia, a decisive Spartan victory that reestablishes their military reputation, followed by an oligarchical revolution in Argos and the Athenian siege and brutal capture of Mêlos.
- LVII
- This chapter provides background on Sicilian affairs after the fall of the Gelonian dynasty, detailing the establishment of free governments, political dissensions in Syracuse (including the brief use of petalism), and the rise of the Sikel prince Duketius. It covers early Athenian interventions in Sicily, initially defensive, to support Ionic cities against Dorian expansion, and the Congress of Gela which established peace. The chapter then describes the renewed conflict between Leontini and Syracuse, leading to Leontine exiles seeking Athenian aid, and the subsequent appeal from Egesta against Selinus and Syracuse, which Alkibiadês enthusiastically supports, leading to the Athenian decision for the Sicilian Expedition.
Key Themes
- Imperial Ambition and Overreach
- The book vividly illustrates Athens's insatiable desire for expanding its empire, particularly with the Sicilian Expedition. This ambition, fueled by figures like Alkibiadês, pushes Athens beyond its strategic limits, leading to a catastrophic overextension of resources and manpower, ultimately contributing to its downfall.
- Leadership and Incompetence
- The contrasting leadership styles of Nikias and Alkibiadês are central. Nikias's excessive caution, piety, and inability to make decisive moves, coupled with Alkibiadês's reckless ambition and eventual betrayal, are presented as primary causes for Athens's defeat. Lamachus's sound military judgment, though present, is tragically ignored.
- Democracy vs. Oligarchy
- The narrative explores the strengths and weaknesses of both democratic and oligarchic systems. Athenian democracy is shown to be capable of immense collective effort and enthusiasm but also susceptible to demagoguery, rash decisions, and misplaced trust. Spartan oligarchy, while often slow, demonstrates discipline and strategic cunning, especially when galvanized by effective leaders like Gylippus.
Characters
- Nikias(protagonist)
- An Athenian general and politician, known for his piety, caution, and philo-Laconian sentiments, who ultimately leads the disastrous Sicilian Expedition.
- Alkibiadês(antagonist)
- A brilliant but unprincipled Athenian general and politician, whose ambition, recklessness, and personal profligacy lead him to betray Athens and advise her enemies.
- Lamachus(supporting)
- An able and courageous Athenian general in the Sicilian Expedition, whose sound military advice was often ignored by Nikias, and who died in battle.
- Demosthenês(supporting)
- An energetic and capable Athenian general, who led the second armament to Sicily and urged a timely retreat, but was overruled by Nikias.
- Gylippus(antagonist)
- A Spartan general of great skill and activity, who arrived in Syracuse to lead the defense against the Athenians and ultimately secured their destruction.
- Hermokratês(supporting)
- A well-born, brave, and able Syracusan politician and general, who consistently warned his countrymen against Athenian ambition and led their defense.
