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THE
ORIGINS OF THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR
G. E. M. de Ste, Croix
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Cornell Univ. Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1972, 442
pgs., index, bibliography, footnotes
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Reviewer Comment:
This is a remarkably scholarly study based on detailed analysis of the Greek
texts. The subject matter includes much more than only the 'origin's of the
war, although that is the main theme. But in considering the real 'origins' the
author describes many very detailed aspects of Spartan, Athenian and Greek
society, mentality, politics, personalities and more. The appendices delve even
deeper in to such matters.
He follows Thucydides and Greek thought in placing all actions as the results
of individuals' decisions based on basic psychological factors, not on some
concept of abstract notions of a 'state'. Thucydides states these dominant
considerations as desires to have and preserve saftety, honor, and interest
(meaning wealth). And pursuit of these creates the desires to dominate and
avoid domination. From recognition that these are continually in contention
with others comes the fear of loss.
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Preface
The author states that his book is intended for general student readers as well
as for professional historians. It is intended for those who do not read
classical Greek but of necessity has had recourse to analysis of Greek terms in
the footnotes and appendices.
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I Introduction
Dr. Ste Croix notes that both Thucydides as an author and historian and the
Peloponnesian War of which he is the principle written source have generated
copious literature through the centuries and especially in modern times. He
considers that the general modern opinion on the 'causes' of the war is
'disappointing in the extreme'.
After reading the following pages in which the author presents in details.,
including naming names, he totally rejects the common opinion ( that Athens was
responsible) one can recognize that his 'disappointing' is a very polite
understatement.
He writes: "As I shall demonstrate, the standard view of the origins of
the war is in reality based upon uncritical acceptance of the brilliant fantasy
presented by Aristophanes in the Acharnians."
In addition to many other disagrements he disputes the standard view about the
war as beginning in 431 BC with its declaration by the Spartans, even though
Thucydides himself devotes some 'background' attention to the events of the
prior 30 years.
He writes further: "Proceeding step by step on the basis of Thucydides'
account, supplemented by a certain amont of other contemporary evidence, we
shall soon find ourselves obliged to reject a whole series of supositions which
have generally prevailed in modern times."
In the remainder of his lengthy introduction the author discusses many other
issues including analysis of theSpartans and Athenians and events prior to the
outbreak of war in 431 BC. which was the rejection of the oaths taken at the
creation of the 30 years Peace.
Aother valuable subject is the author's lengthy comparisons between Thucydides
and Machiavelli and between Thucydides and Hobbs.
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II Thucydides' judgment on the origins of the
war
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III The immediate background, c 435 BC
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IV Spartan foreign policy, and the
Peloponnesian League
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V - Spartan relations with Athens
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VI - Corinth and Athens
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VII - The Megarian Decrees
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VIII Conclusions:
Dr. Ste. Croix disagrees with the general opinion of modern writers that it was
the Athenians who were responsible for originating the war. He considers that
it was the Spartans. For this reason he has marshalled his immense scholarship.
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47 Appendices
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ss
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