The Peloponnesian War: Athens, Sparta, and the Struggle for Greece
by Nigel Bagnall
56 Members (3.50)
On This Page
Description
The Peloponnesian War, the epic struggle between Athens and Sparta, occupies a vital part in military history because of the enormous military and political changes it inspired. In this brilliant book, Sir Nigel Bagnall sets out to analyze and clarify the war, describing in compelling detail the events that led up to it. His meticulous attention to historical context offers a refreshing contrast to traditional accounts. The conflict lasted from 431 to 404 B.C., until the confederation led by show more Sparta finally conquered Athens and her allies. Bagnall dissects the complex relationship between the two states and closely studies their political conduct in the run-up to war, offering a riveting account of the strategy and tactics involved. He also outlines its innovations and lessons, which would have enormous military repercussions for future generations. These include the importance of having clear politico-strategic objectives, the interplay of maritime and land operations, and the problems of achieving cohesion in an alliance in which all the participants see themselves as fellow citizens. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Recommendations
bookfitz A great, concise, and easily readable history of the entire Peloponnesian War.
Member Reviews
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
7 Works 333 Members
Common Knowledge
- Original title
- The Peloponnesian War: Athens, Sparta, and the Struggle for Greece
- Original publication date
- 2002-02
- People/Characters
- Lysander; Gylippus; Cleon; Alcibiades; Brasidas; Nicias
- Important places
- Athens, Greece; Sparta, Greece; Syracuse, Sicily, Italy; Corcyra, Greece
- Important events
- Peloponnesian War (431 BCE | 404 BCE)
- Dedication
- To the British Army
- First words
- With only one short break, the Peloponnesian War lasted for twenty-seven years, from 431 to 404 BC; but this relatively short span cannot be considered in isolation, since the events that preceded it largely determined what w... (show all)as to follow.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Finally, the Peloponnesian War brings out many lessons, some of which I have probably missed, but they are all there for the finding; which, as Polybius observed about history generally, enables us to learn from the experience of others and so avoid repeating their mistakes.
Classifications
- Genres
- History, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 938.05 — History & geography History of ancient world (to ca. 499) Greece to 323 Greece to 323 Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC)
- LCC
- DF229 .B34 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania Greece History of Greece History By period Peloponnesian War, 431-404 B.C.
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 56
- Popularity
- 547,457
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 2
- ASINs
- 1
