91 pages • 3 hours read
ThucydidesHistory of the Peloponnesian War
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | BCEA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides recounts the conflict between the Athenian alliance (Delian League) and the Spartan alliance (Peloponnesian League) from 431-404 BC. It portrays key battles, political maneuvers, significant events like the Athenian plague, civil strife, and shifts in power, ending abruptly in 411 BC. The book includes graphic depictions of war, assassination, and enslavement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War is praised for its detailed and analytical chronicling of the conflict, providing insights into ancient Greek politics and warfare. Reviewers commend its depth, though some find the dense prose and strict impartiality challenging. It remains a seminal, albeit demanding, read for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read History of the Peloponnesian War?
A reader intrigued by the strategic, political, and ethical dimensions of historical conflicts and their modern relevance would enjoy Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War. Similar readers might appreciate Machiavelli's The Prince or Sun Tzu's The Art of War.