Joe Mann
Professor Trumbach
History Homework Thucydides
How does he write his book?
Although Thucydides was an Athenian and a contributor to the problem, he writes a
generally balanced explanation of the conflict and all the sides engaged in it. In the
introduction to the piece he states, "My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet
the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever".
Debate at Sparta
Even though the Corinthians were defeated twice they were still at peace, they sent
delegates to receive aid from the Lacedaemonians The Corinthians spoke last and state
that the Athenians are bent on the domination of Hellas. They also say if the
Lacedaemonians cannot guarantee the freedom of their allies, the latter will be forced to
find new protectors. Some Athenians were there and reminded people of the power of
Athens. They state it was Athenian naval power that removed the Persians out of Hellas
and maintains Hellas safe today. It says, “We have done nothing…out of the human
manner in accepting an empire when it was offered to us and then in refusing to give it
up. We are governed by three mighty reasons: honor, need, and profit.” However the
Lacedaemonians still decide to wage war after hearing these facts. The Lacedaemonian
king Archidamus argues against this decision, and was in favor of a diplomatic
alternative to Athens. The Lacedaemonians will be stronger if they take time to prepare.
