History of the Peloponnesian War
The History of the Peloponnesian War is a historical account of the Peloponnesian War, which was fought between the Peloponnesian League and the Delian League. It was written by Thucydides, an Athenian historian who also served as an Athenian general during the war. His account of the conflict is widely considered to be a classic and regarded as one of the earliest scholarly works of history. The History is divided into eight books.
10th-century minuscule manuscript of Thucydides's History.
P. Oxy. 16, fragment of a 1st-century manuscript
Illustration of a Greek trireme
This manuscript is the Latin version translated (1450–1499) by Lorenzo Valla, decorated by Francesco di Antonio del Chierico, and dedicated to Pope Nicholas V.
The Peloponnesian War was an ancient Greek war fought between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies for the hegemony of the Greek world. The war remained undecided for a long time, until the decisive intervention of the Persian Empire in support of Sparta. Led by Lysander, the Spartan fleet, built with Persian subsidies, finally defeated Athens and started a period of Spartan hegemony over Greece.
Eight bookes of the Peloponnesian Warre written by Thucydides the sonne of Olorus. Interpreted with faith and diligence immediately out of the Greeke by Thomas Hobbes secretary to ye late Earle of Deuonshire (Houghton Library).
Fragment of the Athenian Tribute List, 425–424 BC
Battle of Potidaea (432 BC): Athenians against Corinthians. Scene of Socrates saving Alcibiades. 18th century engraving.
The walls surrounding Athens