# Book VIII explained — History of the Peloponnesian War

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

## What happens

Book VIII covers the aftermath of the Sicilian disaster, the Spartan alliance with Persia, the oligarchic coup in Athens, and the early stages of the Ionian War, including the revolt of Athenian allies and the rise of Alcibiades as a key figure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alliance and Betrayal

The shifting alliances between Athens, Sparta, and Persia, along with Alcibiades' betrayals and manipulations, dominate the political landscape.

### Democracy vs. Oligarchy

The internal struggle in Athens between the democratic faction and the oligarchic conspirators, leading to the coup of the Four Hundred.

## Character check-ins

### Alcibiades

Defects to Sparta and later advises the Spartans, then becomes involved with the Persian satrap Tissaphernes, seeking to return to Athens.

### Tissaphernes

Persian satrap who negotiates with Sparta and later with Alcibiades, playing a key role in the shifting alliances.

### Phrynichus

Athenian general and key figure in the oligarchic coup, opposes Alcibiades' recall and later conspires with the Spartans.

### Astyochus

Spartan admiral who commands the Peloponnesian fleet in the Aegean and interacts with Alcibiades and Tissaphernes.

### Theramenes

Athenian politician involved in the oligarchic coup, later becomes a leading figure in the moderate faction.

## Key lines

> The Athenians, after the disaster in Sicily, were in a state of great consternation and despair.

Following the catastrophic defeat in Sicily, the Athenians were overwhelmed by shock and hopelessness.

_Describes the immediate aftermath of the Sicilian Expedition._

> Alcibiades, now in Sparta, urged the Spartans to send a force to Sicily and to fortify Decelea in Attica.

Alcibiades, having defected to Sparta, advised the Spartans to both reinforce their efforts in Sicily and establish a permanent fort at Decelea to harass Athens.

_Alcibiades' strategic advice to Sparta after his defection._

> The oligarchic conspirators in Athens, led by Pisander, Phrynichus, and others, worked to overthrow the democracy.

A group of oligarchic plotters in Athens, with Pisander and Phrynichus at the helm, conspired to dismantle the democratic government.

_Describes the early stages of the oligarchic coup in Athens._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-viii
- 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