History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
Book VI explained
The Athenians, persuaded by Alcibiades and against the cautious advice of Nicias, launch a massive expedition to Sicily.
What happens
The Athenians, persuaded by Alcibiades and against the cautious advice of Nicias, launch a massive expedition to Sicily. After Alcibiades is recalled to face charges of sacrilege, he defects to Sparta and advises them on how to counter Athens. The Athenians begin the siege of Syracuse but face challenges from the Syracusans and the arrival of the Spartan general Gylippus.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Strategy
The contrasting strategies of Nicias (caution), Alcibiades (ambition), and Lamachus (aggression) highlight the challenges of command in the Athenian democracy.
Alliance and Betrayal
Alcibiades' defection to Sparta after being recalled exemplifies the theme of shifting loyalties and betrayal in the Peloponnesian War.
Characters to notice
- Alcibiades
Key advocate for the Sicilian Expedition; recalled to Athens for trial regarding the Hermae mutilation and profanation of the Mysteries, then defects to Sparta.
- Nicias
Opposed the Sicilian Expedition; appointed as one of the commanders; his cautious strategy is overruled by the assembly.
- Gylippus
Spartan commander sent to Syracuse; arrives to rally the Syracusans and lead the defense against the Athenian siege.
- Hermocrates
Syracusan leader who advocates for preparing defenses and seeking Spartan aid against the Athenian invasion.
- Lamachus
Athenian general appointed as one of the commanders of the Sicilian Expedition; advocates for an immediate attack on Syracuse.
Key passages
“The Athenians, accordingly, being now more eager than ever for the expedition, voted to send sixty ships to Sicily, under the command of Alcibiades, Nicias, and Lamachus.”
The Athenian assembly, increasingly enthusiastic about the Sicilian campaign, authorized a fleet of sixty ships led by Alcibiades, Nicias, and Lamachus.
This decision set the stage for the massive Athenian commitment to Sicily.
“Alcibiades, being summoned to take his trial, sailed off with the Salaminia, but on the way he escaped at Thurii and eventually made his way to Sparta.”
Alcibiades was recalled to Athens for trial aboard the Salaminia, but he escaped at Thurii and later reached Sparta, where he defected.
Alcibiades' escape and defection dramatically altered the course of the war.
“Gylippus, the Lacedaemonian, arrived at Syracuse with a fleet from Corinth and Leucas, and immediately took command of the Syracusan forces.”
The Spartan general Gylippus reached Syracuse with reinforcements from Corinth and Leucas and promptly assumed leadership of the Syracusan defense.
Gylippus' arrival revitalized the Syracusan resistance and shifted the momentum against Athens.