The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides

The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides is a 5th-century BC account of the monumental conflict between the Athenian Empire and the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta. Thucydides offers a detailed exploration of the political and military dynamics that shaped this war, emphasizing its profound effects on Greek society. The narrative begins by tracing the development of Greek city-states and the growing tensions that ultimately led to war. Key causes, such as Athens’ expansion and its clashes with rivals like Corinth and Sparta, are explored alongside pivotal events, including disputes over Epidamnus and Potidaea. Thucydides presents the conflict as more than a military struggle, delving into the alliances, grievances, and human ambitions that fueled it, providing a timeless analysis of power and its consequences.