# Book II explained — History of the Peloponnesian War

> Chapter companion for History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters