History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
Book II explained
Thucydides recounts the first year of the Peloponnesian War, including the Theban attack on Plataea, the Athenian plague, Pericles' Funeral Oration, and the early military campaigns of both Athens and Sparta.
What happens
Thucydides recounts the first year of the Peloponnesian War, including the Theban attack on Plataea, the Athenian plague, Pericles' Funeral Oration, and the early military campaigns of both Athens and Sparta.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Strategy
Pericles' strategic vision of avoiding land battles and relying on naval power and the Long Walls is tested by the plague and public discontent.
Democracy vs. Oligarchy
The Funeral Oration contrasts Athenian democratic ideals with Spartan oligarchic militarism.
Characters to notice
- Pericles
Delivers the Funeral Oration and leads Athenian strategy before his death from the plague.
- Archidamus
Leads the Peloponnesian invasion of Attica.
- Phormio
Commands Athenian naval forces in the Gulf of Corinth.
- Cleon
Emerges as a prominent demagogue in Athens after Pericles' death.
Key passages
“The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men; and their story is not graven only on stone over their native earth, but lives on far away, without visible symbol, woven into the stuff of other men's lives.”
The memory of great individuals is not confined to their homeland or physical monuments; it endures through the lives and stories of others everywhere.
From Pericles' Funeral Oration, emphasizing the lasting legacy of the fallen.
“They were at a loss and knew not what to do; but the plague grievously oppressed them, and they were in despair.”
The Athenians were confused and helpless, overwhelmed by the plague and losing hope.
Describes the demoralizing effect of the plague on Athens.