as prevalent historical figures – such as Winston Churchill, definitely say so. After all, as the inevitable progression of time and technology pushes forward, the needs and wants of mankind remain the same. For the most part, the human mind is a constant variable, and there are invaluable lessons to be learned from our predecessors – ancients and pioneers alike. The fortunate news is, there exists, and will continue to be (at least for the near future) a vast collection of historical resources. A
Thucydides' Historical Technique Thucydides has often been described as one of the fathers of history, and possibly the first historian that can be used with any real historical accuracy. His objectivity and lack of digressive storytelling mark him out from previous historians such as Herodotus, and Thucydides began a new era of historical writing. Although named the father of history, Herodotus wrote in a literary style, rather than the accurate telling of the facts
The primary source that I have chosen to read and analyze is The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, more specifically the second book. The reason I chose this document is because the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, the two major poleis of Ancient Greece, may not be as well-known as other conflicts around that age, such as the Persian Wars. I figured it would be interesting to understand the conflict and wars between the very Greece that shaped the modern Western World. Regarding
Historical Patterns Presented in Thucydides: The Peloponnesian War Thucydides is known as one of the first historians to portray events that took place in his own words and thoughts during the ancient Greek period. His writing focuses on Greek history that captures events that happened in this age. Thucydides main focus in his writing was on the military, this includes famous battles such as the Peloponnesian war, as well as the political events that had occurred during his era of journalism. The
Thucydides Versus Plato: Differing Views of the Good Life What is the true nature of the Good Life? Is it living life with concern for only oneself despite the possible consequences of one's action on others? Or might it involve self-sacrifice in effort to do what one feels is right or just? Is it descriptive, or perhaps prescriptive? Two prominent Greeks, Thucydides and Plato, began providing answers to these questions over 25 centuries ago as they analyzed and wrote critically about life's
Thucydides, an Athenian who lived during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), may be one of the earliest western war theorists thanks to his work, History of the Peloponnesian War. His history described the conflict between ancient Athens and Sparta. In doing so, he authored one of the most balanced and powerful explanations of the causes of war. Thucydides, linked to the Athenian aristocracy, enjoyed a wealthy upbringing and education as a youth. As an adult, he served as a commander for Athens
Introduction The end of the First World War saw a shift in political thought towards liberalism through the creation of the League of Nations to avoid a recurrence of international aggression, while realism seemed to have lost its credibility. The dramatic failure of the League in stopping another international war gave rise to serious questions and doubts about the effectiveness of the liberal ideas upon which it had been founded. This offered realism a chance to re-emerge as the dominant perspective
more stories to emphasize why history matters and the problems inherent in its recording. Throughout his novel, he contests the stance taken by Thucydides, a notable Greek historian. Thucydides lived from 460 BCE to 400 BCE and was famous for his work, The History of the Peloponnesian War, which recounted the conflict between Athens and Sparta. Thucydides firmly believed that history was meant to solely record the stories of politics, the state and great men — a belief that John Arnold throughly opposes
2015 Thucydides Have you ever stopped to think that everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact? That everything we see is a perspective, not the truth? That’s the way Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, viewed the world. Thucydides, an Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War, would most likely agree with him. At the beginning of The History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides clearly stated his aims as a writer of history. These aims were
What factors does Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War define as the causality for the Peloponnesian wars? Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War is often used by modern historians to examine the initial causes of the Peloponnesian war. The Peloponnesian War of ancient Greece was fought between Athens and its empire and the Peloponnesian league led by Sparta. The text is considered by many historians as an exceptional source of ancient history used to establish the motives