First published 1998
Thucydides writes his account of twenty years of conflict between two Greek powers, Athens and Sparta. The historian calls his work "a possession for all time" as he chronicles the Peloponnesian War that shaped the ancient world. For over two millennia, military leaders, politicians, and educated readers have turned to this text for insights into warfare, morality, politics, and human nature. Robert Strassler removes the barriers that have challenged modern readers by creating narrative clarity and rebuilding the cultural knowledge that ancient audiences possessed. This edition builds on Richard Crawley's respected translation, updated for contemporary readers. The book includes detailed maps, scholarly appendices on relevant topics, marginal explanations, and a comprehensive index. Thucydides offers readers a foundation in Western historical writing and enduring lessons about power, conflict, and civilization.
Genres: biography, history, ancient-history, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-fiction
Setting: Athens, Greece, Sparta
Period: Peloponnesian War, Ancient World
752 pages · Kindle Edition · Free Press