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1.2.1. "Intro and Book 1" Strassler, Robert B., Jr. ed. The…
1.2.1. "Intro and Book 1" Strassler, Robert B., Jr. ed. The Landmark Thucydides: A Comprehensive Guide The Peloponnesian War. (See assigned readings below) New York: The Free Press, 1996. ix-xxii, 3, and 16-49.
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Book one: causes of war
Ultimately, Sparta broke the peace because they feared the rising power of Athens. Each side stated there were other causes.
Athens
Decide to join in a defensive alliance with Corcyra, believing it doesn’t break the Thirty Year treaty and will best set them up for the coming Peloponnesian war.
They are instrumental in the “draw” of the battle at Sybota, but it marks the first complaint of the Corinthians against the Athenians
Athens works to decrease Corinth influence in a distant colony that is also an Athenian tributary, which angers the King of Macedonia (north of Potidaea, the colony)
King of Macedonia then tries to get the Peloponnesian states (Sparta, et Al) works up against Athens… and it works. Potidaea fails to placate Athens but gets Sparta to agree to support them if Athens invades. They prepare for war.
Sparta
Listen to a moving speech by Corinth, complaining that Sparta’s inaction in the face of Athenian aggression against Corinth just emboldens Athens
Corinth lays it on very thick, comparing character of Athens vs. Sparta and finding Sparta wanting. Threaten Spart that they (Corinth) will find another ally
Sparta wants to declare war against Athens, but will take time to continue negotiations so they can become stronger in the interim; participate in arbitration, but prepare slowly and deliberately for war
Sthenelaidas gave a speech that convinced most of Sparta that Athens broke the treaty and needed a swifter response.
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Corcyra
Refused to aid their colony at Epidamnus, who then pulled in Corinth in their defense. Able to defeat Corinth navy single-handedly, but we’re faced with a larger alliance from across Hellas
Appeal to Athens: we avoided alliances in the past, and that was short sited, now recognize they must enter into an alliance to secure future.
We will make a powerful ally in the coming war with Sparta (make no mistake, it’s coming)
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Allowing us to join the alliance (from the Thirty Years Peace Treaty) won’t be a breach that will offend Sparta, we’re neutral after all.
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Corinth
Their colony, Corcyra, did not give Corinth its required deference
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Or yea should have come to Athens when they were strong, not waiting until they knew they were in peril and askin Athens to share in the retribution, which Corinth will bring upon them
both.
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