The Peloponnesus in Flux

This chapter analyzes the promulgation of the Peace of Nicias and the institution of a bilateral defensive alliance between Sparta and Athens, which failed to put an end to their rivalry. It explains the re-emergence of anarchy in the Hellenic world in Peloponnesus, where Lacedaemon had for generations reigned supreme and directed affairs. The chapter traces in detail the breakdown of the inherited intercommunal order within the Peloponnesus. It puzzles over the conflicts and confusion to which the re-emergence of intercommunal anarchy gave rise. It also examines Argos' ancient antipathy to Lacedaemon and the figures of importance in that pólis who were decidedly unsympathetic to the Athenian cause.

Prologue

This chapter analyzes the character of the Spartan polity, traces its origins, and describes the grand strategy that the Lacedaemonians first articulated in the mid-sixth century. It discusses the defense of the Spartan polity and the way of life associated with it before Persians burst on the scene. It also investigates how Spartans gradually adjusted their strategy to fit the new and unexpected challenge that suddenly loomed on the horizon when the Mede first appeared. The chapter describes the fashion in which Spartans organized and managed the alliance with which they confronted and defeated the invader bearing down on Hellas. It also highlights the way the victorious Hellenes gradually and awkwardly worked out a postwar settlement that seemed to suit all concerned.

An Uneasy Truce

This chapter focuses on the Athenians, who were “broken in spirit” in the years after their humiliation at the hands of the Spartans and their allies. It describes how Athens' expanded its influence and domain when opportunity outside the Peloponnesus presented itself. It also discusses how Athenians established independent colonies, cleruchies, and agricultural outposts as soon as they had achieved victory at Cypriot Salamis. The chapter recounts Athenians' expulsion of the Histiaeans and seizure of holdings of Chalcis's wealthy Cavaliers. According to the phóros records, it also suggests that the Athenians's seizures of land occasioned a sharp reduction in the contributions demanded from the communities within the Delian League to which the cleruchies had been conveyed.

Pericles’ Calculated Risk

This chapter talks about Thucydides, son of Olorus, who provided the narrative of the great war between the Athenians and the Peloponnesians. It discusses the civil strife that had erupted at Epidamnus in 436 or early 435, in which the Corinthians found themselves confronted with a fateful opportunity. It also describes pólis as a populous settlement of ample wealth and considerable strategic importance that was situated on an easily defended named Dyrrachium. The chapter looks into the Athenians' desire not to initiate a general war with the Spartan alliance and to defend the territorial integrity of Corcyra. It also mentions how Pericles urged to form a defensive alliance with the Corcyraeans an epimachía in order to deter Corinthian aggression.