History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
VI explained
The Peloponnesian army, led by King Archidamus, prepares to invade Attica.
What happens
The Peloponnesian army, led by King Archidamus, prepares to invade Attica. Archidamus delivers a speech emphasizing discipline and vigilance, and sends Melesippus to Athens in a final attempt at negotiation, but Pericles has already secured a decree to refuse any embassies once the Spartans have marched. Melesippus is sent away, declaring that this day marks the beginning of great misfortunes for Hellas. Pericles, aware that his friend Archidamus might spare his own estate, delivers a funeral oration honoring fallen Athenians, extolling the virtues of courage, duty, and love of country. The chapter also recounts the aftermath of the Plataea affair, the breakdown of the treaty, and the extensive preparations for war by both Athens and Sparta, including alliances, shipbuilding, and the general excitement and prophecy that sweep across Hellas.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Strategy
Archidamus emphasizes discipline, vigilance, and the unpredictability of war, while Pericles demonstrates strategic foresight in refusing negotiations and delivering a morale-boosting oration.
War and Its Consequences
The chapter details the outbreak of war, the preparations of both sides, and the ominous predictions and prophecies that accompany the conflict.
Human Nature and Morality
Pericles' funeral oration explores themes of honor, courage, and the moral duty of citizens to sacrifice for their city, contrasting with the fear and ambition driving the war.
Characters to notice
- Archidamus
King of Sparta, leader of the Peloponnesian expedition, delivers a speech to the assembled forces and sends Melesippus to Athens.
- Pericles
Athenian general who secures a decree to refuse Spartan embassies after they march, and delivers a funeral oration honoring the fallen.
- Melesippus
Spartan herald sent by Archidamus to Athens, but refused entry and sent away, declaring the beginning of great misfortunes.
Key passages
“This day will be the beginning of great misfortunes to the Hellenes.”
Melesippus declares that the rejection of the Spartan embassy marks the start of widespread suffering for all Greeks.
Melesippus' prophetic statement as he is escorted out of Attica.
“For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb; and in lands far from their own, where the column with its epitaph declares it, there is enshrined in every breast a record unwritten with no tablet to preserve it, except that of the heart.”
The fame of fallen warriors is not confined to a physical grave; it lives on in the memory of people everywhere.
Pericles' funeral oration, emphasizing the eternal glory of those who died for Athens.