The Peloponnesian War 431–404 BC
The Peloponnesian War 431–404 BC
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About this book
It is a testament to the fascination of the subject that even today the events of the Peloponnesian War are studied for what they can teach about diplomacy, strategy and tactics. This book reveals the darker side of Classical Greek civilization. From the horrific effects of overcrowding and the plague on the population of Athens, to the vicious civil strife that often erupted in cities allied with Athens or Sparta, this volume offers vivid and at times disturbing insights into the impact of warfare on the people who are celebrated as the founders of Western civilization.
Contents
Introduction · Chronology · Background to war: The rise of Athens · Warring sides: Athens and Sparta · Outbreak: Fear and suspicion lead to war · The fighting: The first twenty years · Portrait of a soldier: A ship’s captain at war · The world around war: Politics and culture · Portrait of a civilian: Hipparete, an Athenian citizen woman · How the war ended: The fall of Athens · Conclusion and consequences: The triumph of Sparta? · Further reading · Index
Paperback; November 2002; 96 pages; ISBN: 9781841763576