History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
XIX explained
News of the Athenian expedition reaches Syracuse, where Hermocrates urges preparations for defense.
What happens
News of the Athenian expedition reaches Syracuse, where Hermocrates urges preparations for defense. Meanwhile, Alcibiades is recalled to Athens on charges of impiety and conspiracy, but he escapes to the Peloponnese. The Athenian generals debate strategy: Nicias advocates a cautious approach, Alcibiades proposes winning allies, and Lamachus urges an immediate attack on Syracuse. Alcibiades fails to secure Messina, and the fleet proceeds to Naxos and Catana before reconnoitering Syracuse.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Strategy
The chapter contrasts the strategic proposals of Nicias, Alcibiades, and Lamachus, highlighting different approaches to command and decision-making in the face of uncertainty.
Alliance and Betrayal
Alcibiades' recall and defection to Sparta illustrate themes of political betrayal and shifting loyalties, while Hermocrates seeks alliances to counter the Athenian threat.
Democracy vs. Oligarchy
The political turmoil in Athens, including the suspicion of a conspiracy against the democracy and the arrest of citizens, reflects the tension between democratic and oligarchic factions.
Characters to notice
- Hermocrates
Son of Hermon, he persuades the Syracusans of the reality of the Athenian expedition and advises preparations, including seeking alliances with Sicels, Italy, Carthage, and Sparta.
- Alcibiades
Recalled from Sicily on charges of impiety and conspiracy; escapes from Thurii to the Peloponnese and is sentenced to death in absentia.
- Nicias
Argues for a cautious approach: sail to Selinus, settle matters with Egesta, display Athenian power, and return home unless an unexpected opportunity arises.
- Lamachus
Advocates an immediate attack on Syracuse while the city is unprepared, but ultimately supports Alcibiades' plan.
Key passages
“Although I shall perhaps be no better believed than others have been when I speak upon the reality of the expedition, and although I know that those who either make or repeat statements thought not worthy of belief not only gain no converts but are thought fools for their pains, I shall certainly not be frightened into holding my tongue when the state is in danger, and when I am persuaded that I can speak with more authority on the matter than other persons.”
Hermocrates acknowledges that his warning about the Athenian expedition may be dismissed, but he insists on speaking out because the city is in peril and he believes his knowledge is superior.
Hermocrates' speech underscores the challenge of conveying urgent truths to a skeptical audience.
“Alcibiades, now an outlaw, crossed in a boat not long after from Thurii to Peloponnese; and the Athenians passed sentence of death by default upon him and those in his company.”
After escaping from Thurii, Alcibiades fled to the Peloponnese, and the Athenians condemned him and his associates to death in absentia.
This marks Alcibiades' formal break with Athens and his shift to aiding Sparta.
“Lamachus, on the other hand, said that they ought to sail straight to Syracuse, and fight their battle at once under the walls of the town while the people were still unprepared, and the panic at its height.”
Lamachus argued for an immediate assault on Syracuse, catching the city off guard and exploiting the initial shock of the Athenian arrival.
Lamachus' strategy emphasizes the element of surprise and the psychological advantage of a swift attack.