The Peloponnesian War [Paperback]

For three decades in the fifth century b.c. the ancient world was torn apart bya conflict that was as dramatic, divisive, and destructive as the world wars of the twentieth century: the Peloponnesian War. Donald Kagan, one of the world’s most respected classical, political, and military historians, here presents a new account of this vicious war of Greek against Greek, Athenian against Spartan. The Peloponnesian War is a magisterial work of history written for general readers, offering a fresh examination of a pivotal moment in Western civilization. With a lively, readable narrative that conveys a richly
detailed portrait of a vanished world while honoring its timeless relevance,The Peloponnesian Waris a chronicle of the rise and fall of a great empire and of a dark time whose lessons still resonate today.The Peloponnesian WarIntroduction

Part One. The Road To War

Chapter One: The Great Rivalry (479-439*)
Sparta and Its Alliance
Athens and Its Empire
Athens Against Sparta
The Thirty Years' Peace
Threats to Peace: Thurii
The Samian Rebellion

Chapter Two: A Quarrel in a Far-away Country (436-433)
Epidamnus
Corinth

Chapter Three: Enter Athens (433-432)
The Battle of Sybota
Potidaea
The Megarian Decree

Chapter Four: The Decisions for War (432)
Sparta Chooses War
The Athenian Decision For War

Part Two. Pericles' War

Chapter Five: War Aims and Resources (432-431)

Sparta
Athens

Chapter Six: The Theban Attack on Plataea (431)
The Spartan Invasion of Attica
Attacks on Pericles
The Athenian Response
Pericles' Funeral Oration
The War's First Year: An Accounting

Chapter Seven: The Plague (430-429)
Epidaurus
The Plague in Athens
Pericles Under Fire
Peace Negotiations
Pericles Condemned
The Spartans Go to Sea
Potidaea Recaptured

Chapter Eight: Pericles' Last lÓK