History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
The State of Greece from the Earliest Times to the Commencement of the Peloponnesian War explained
Thucydides introduces his history of the Peloponnesian War, arguing that it was the greatest movement in history.
What happens
Thucydides introduces his history of the Peloponnesian War, arguing that it was the greatest movement in history. He traces the early development of Hellas from a period of constant migration and weakness, through the rise of navies under Minos, the Trojan War led by Agamemnon, and the gradual consolidation of power. He describes the growth of Athens and Sparta after the Persian Wars, the formation of alliances, and the eventual split into two rival blocs. He also critiques popular misconceptions about history, such as the story of Harmodius and Aristogiton, and emphasizes the importance of critical inquiry.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Empire
Thucydides traces the growth of power from early tribal migrations to the naval empires of Minos and Agamemnon, culminating in the rival hegemonies of Athens and Sparta.
War and Its Consequences
The chapter sets the stage for the Peloponnesian War as the greatest conflict in history, shaped by earlier wars and the constant practice of military affairs.
Fate and Human Agency
Thucydides emphasizes human actions—migrations, alliances, naval development—over divine intervention, and critiques uncritical acceptance of tradition.
Identity and Ethnicity
The gradual adoption of the name 'Hellenes' and the distinction between Hellenes and barbarians are explored, showing the construction of collective identity.
Characters to notice
- Minos
First known to have established a navy, colonized islands, and suppressed piracy, enabling greater communication and wealth.
- Agamemnon
Led the expedition against Troy, relying on superior strength and a strong navy; his power is inferred from Homer's account.
- Harmodius
Mistakenly believed by Athenians to have slain the tyrant Hipparchus, though the actual tyrant was Hippias.
- Aristogiton
Co-conspirator with Harmodius in the assassination of Hipparchus, part of a popular but inaccurate historical tradition.
- Hippias
The eldest son of Pisistratus and actual tyrant of Athens at the time of Hipparchus's murder, contrary to common belief.
- Theseus
Mentioned in the context of early Attic history and the unification of Attica.
- Pelops
Arrived from Asia with wealth, gained power in Peloponnese, and gave his name to the region; his descendants increased their influence.
- Eurystheus
Killed in Attica by the Heraclids; his dominions passed to Atreus, strengthening the Pelopid line.
Key passages
“Thucydides, an Athenian, wrote the history of the war between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians, beginning at the moment that it broke out, and believing that it would be a great war and more worthy of relation than any that had preceded it.”
Thucydides, an Athenian, began his account of the Peloponnesian War at its outbreak, convinced it would surpass all earlier conflicts in significance.
Opening statement establishing the author and the scope of the history.
“The way that most men deal with traditions, even traditions of their own country, is to receive them all alike as they are delivered, without applying any critical test whatever.”
Most people accept traditions about their own country uncritically, without examining their accuracy.
Thucydides criticizes the lack of historical skepticism among the public.
“So little pains do the vulgar take in the investigation of truth, accepting readily the first story that comes to hand.”
The common people make little effort to find the truth, easily believing whatever story they first hear.
Emphasizes the need for rigorous historical inquiry.
