The History Of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Download and Enjoy The History Of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Thank you for your interest in downloading The History Of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides. Please find the free ebook versions below.
About this Public Domain Book
This full text of The History Of The Peloponnesian War has entered the public domain in the UK and is now freely available. It may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without any restrictions. We are providing it for free distribution and use by individuals for non-commercial purposes. Please note that the copyright status in other countries may vary, so it is advisable to check the copyright laws of your specific jurisdiction before reproducing, distributing, or transmitting the text.
Download The History Of The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides As A Free Ebook
You can download this book in two common ebook formats:
- EPUB format - compatible with most e-readers like Kindle, iPad, Nook, etc.
- PDF format - useful for printing or viewing on any device
First published: Late 5th Century BC
Number of Words: 206,000
Avg. Time to Read: 15 - 20 hours
Translator: Richard Crawley
Description:
In his landmark work The History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides sought to create an accurate record of the conflict between Athens and Sparta that would stand the test of time. He began by establishing the growing tensions between the two city-states in the decades leading up to open warfare. Through firsthand accounts and rigorous research, he traced the origins of the war to a series of disputes over allies and territorial claims. This provided crucial context for understanding the escalating rivalry between the dominant Greek powers.
Thucydides chronicled the early years of the 27-year war, which began in 431 BC. He detailed Athens’ strategy of avoiding direct battles and relying on its strong navy while Sparta invaded the Attic countryside year after year. Through meticulous notetaking, the historian constructed a narrative outline of key campaigns, battles, and their outcomes on both land and sea. His reporting brought a new level of strategic and tactical analysis to the study of military history.
In some of the most impactful sections of his work, Thucydides investigated turning points that shifted the tide of the war one way or another. This included Athens’ brief resurgence after the Battle of Pylos and the disastrous Sicilian Expedition that drained their resources and morale. Through firsthand interviews and a diligent cross-examination of sources, he strove to present an unvarnished accounting of the critical events and decisions that determined the fortunes of war.
In his final book, Thucydides concluded the war’s climax and conclusion. He described Sparta gaining the upper hand through able commanders like Lysander and Athens surrendering unconditionally in 404 BC after over two decades of bloodshed. For generations since, his monumental history has stood as the definitive record of the Peloponnesian War, setting a new benchmark for scholarly historical method and analysis that still resonates today.
Download:
Need Help Loading the Book onto Your Device?
If you encounter any issues while loading the book onto your device, check out our guide on loading books from 250 WPM onto your device.