Assignment: Plutarch, Life of Pericles and
Life of Alcibiades, in Coursepack, pp. 71-103.
Highlights of the Peloponnesian
War
- 430 Plague at Athens.
- 430 Athens subdues Potidaea (which had
revolted).
- 425 Defeat of Spartans at
Pylos.
- 424 Brasidas capture Amphipolis (before
Thucydides can help).
- 424 Athens captures ports of
Megara.
- 424 Athens' attempt to subdue Boeotia fails
at Delium (biggest battle of Archidamean War, i.e. first
phase).
- 422 Cleon dies attempting to recapture
Amphipolis. Brasidas dies too.
- 421 Peace of Nicias.
- 418 Battle of Mantinea.
- 415 Sicilian Expedition, mutilation of the
Herms.
- 413 Athenian army & fleet destroyed.
- Athens builds a new fleet & fights for
eight more years.
- Alcibiades plays both sides, including
persuading the Spartans to fortify Decelea.
- 411 Athenian naval victory at
Cynossema.
- 410 Athenian naval victory at
Cyzicus.
- 407 Persian satrap, Cyrus the Younger,
supports Lysander. Defeat of Athenians under Alcibiades at Notium.
Alcibiades goes into exile.
- 406 Athenian naval victory at Arginusae.
Athenians lose 25 ships. Six of eight generals (including
Pericles' son) are executed for providing insufficient aid.
- 405 Spartan victory at
Aegospotami.
- 404 Sparta besieges Athens. Athens
capitulates.
People, Terms, Concepts
Essays
- Compare and contrast Pericles and
Alcibiades. Which was, in your opinion a greater disaster (or, if
you prefer a positive approach, a greater benefit) to Athens.
Please justify your response with attention to details of their
careers as outlined by Plutarch and Thucydides.
- Compare and contrast biography and history
as illustrated in our readings from Thucydides and Plutarch. Which
do you find more reliable? Why?
- Alcibiades switched sides several times
during the war. Why? Was Acibiades justified? Please elaborate.