# Chapter XII explained — History of the Peloponnesian War

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

## What happens

The Athenians, emboldened by their possession of Spartan prisoners on the island of Sphacteria, reject Spartan peace offers under the influence of Cleon. The Spartans, after failed negotiations, resume hostilities. Meanwhile, a naval battle occurs in the Strait of Messina between Syracusans and Athenians. The Athenians ultimately capture the Spartan forces on the island, fulfilling Cleon's boast, and the prisoners are brought to Athens, shocking all of Hellas. The Messenians then begin raiding Laconia from Pylos, causing Spartan alarm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Leadership and Strategy

Cleon's aggressive leadership and the Athenian strategic decision to reject peace despite holding a strong position.

### War and Its Consequences

The brutal reality of war is highlighted by the Spartan surrender, the blockade, and the subsequent Messenian raids on Laconia.

### Human Nature and Morality

The Athenian refusal to accept moderate terms and the Spartan plea for generosity reflect the moral complexities and pride in wartime negotiations.

## Character check-ins

### Cleon

The popular leader who persuades the Athenians to reject Spartan peace terms and demand unconditional surrender of the men on the island.

### Epitadas

The Spartan commander on the island who kept his men on half rations during the blockade.

### Nicias

Not directly mentioned in this chapter, but referenced as the general associated with the peace treaty later named after him.

## Key lines

> The Athenians, however, having the men on the island, thought that the treaty would be ready for them whenever they chose to make it, and grasped at something further.

The Athenians, confident because they held the Spartan prisoners, believed they could dictate terms whenever they wanted and sought even greater concessions.

_Shows Athenian overconfidence and Cleon's influence in rejecting a favorable peace._

> Nothing that happened in the war surprised the Hellenes so much as this. It was the opinion that no force or famine could make the Lacedaemonians give up their arms, but that they would fight on as they could, and die with them in their hands.

This event shocked all Greeks more than any other in the war, because they believed Spartans would never surrender their weapons, preferring to die fighting.

_Highlights the unprecedented nature of the Spartan surrender and its psychological impact._

## Links

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