Thucydides on Peloponnesian War

Thucydides on Peloponnesian War

Thucydides presents a historical perspective of the Peloponnesian War fought between Delian League and Peloponnesian League. As one of the great works of western history, the book gives an objective approach in reflecting on the history of this war. Throughout the text, the author formulates an in-depth reflection of the significant military tactics and technology utilized by each side during the war. Through orations and speeches, the author presents one of the best-known pieces of Greek writing. Through such a historical presentation, the author gives an in-depth, impartial, and accurate presentation of the war’s duration, considering an account of speeches and events surrounding the war. In book three and four, one of the main focuses of Thucydides was on the qualities of the democratic governance of Athens after the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War.

One of the commendable reflections by the author relates to the history of the Peloponnesian War. In his analysis, the author argues that the war acted as a depiction of events of unmatched importance. It is worth appreciating that the author’s review concerning the history of this war is commendable and gives a clear representation concerning the significant events that influenced its emergence. For example, the work provides a detailed chronological order of events that translated to the rise and spread of the war.

This is reflected under the assertion, “My account sets out the events in chronological order, by summers and winters” (Thucydides et al. 74). First, the book points out on the thirty years treaty agreed after the conquest as a significant consideration towards facilitating individuals’ understanding of the war. Such reflection is excellent. It gives insight into the tense situation between the two sides and how such tension influenced the emergence and spread of the war. The author presents the fatality of the hostility of Platea towards Thebes, thus giving an insight into some of the significant factors that could have influenced such confrontations.

Secondly, the scholar looks into the confusion faced by Thebans after realizing that they had been trapped. First, the scholar reveals that such realization forced the Thebans to launch attacks wherever they came (Thucydides et al. 75). Such a presentation is faultless, thus gives the reader an insight into the happenings that surrounded the war. For example, the author points out that the Plataea’s maximized the situation in their attempts to subdue the Thebans. According to the presentation by the scholar, the Plataeans opted to utilize the opportunity and set fire on the building that the Thebans were trapped. The aspect of surrendering and how it facilitated contributed towards easing the tension is another excellent articulation by the author. His reflection shows that the Thebans realized that they needed to quit since they had already been trapped. They agreed to have an unconditional surrender and gave all their weapons in an attempt to ease the tension. Such reflection is faultless since it proves that disarmament was one of the significant considerations towards reducing anxiety. Even though the author does not give a detailed analysis of the ending of such tension, the coverage is commendable in explaining the significant causes of the conflict.

In summary, Thucydides is one of the notable historians whose work gives an in-depth reflection concerning the significant factors that translated to the death emergence and spread of the Peloponnesian War. The author provides a detailed analysis of the tension between the two sides and how it influenced the rise of the confrontations. The author reveals that the growing tension between the Thebans and the Plataeans was the primary factor that influenced the rise of the war. Similarly, the author explains that the decision by the Thebans to surrender eased the tension. Even though the author does not give an in-depth reflection concerning the ending of the tension, the coverage is faultless.

 

 

Works Cited

Thucydides et al. “The Peloponnesian War (Ebook, 2009) [Worldcat.Org]”. Worldcat.Org, 2009, https://www.worldcat.org/title/peloponnesian-war/oclc/656798903.