The Siege of Potidaea brings an end to Sparta’s inaction, with many denouncing Athens. As a young man he is reported to have taken part in some of the battles that were precursors to the Peloponnesian War. 3 Problems to Remember When Trying to Find Atlantis, The Peloponnesian War: Intrigues and Conquests in Ancient Greece, Sparta: An Ancient City of Fierce and Courageous Citizen Soldiers, Socrates: The Father of Western Philosophy. Sparta attacks Plataea. In … Philippe Chéry (18th century) / Public domain ). Nicias, (died 413 bc, Sicily [now in Italy]), Athenian politician and general during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 bc) between Sparta and Athens. In exchange for protection and “sanctuary”, Alcibiades promised his ex-enemies that he would "render them aid and service greater than all the harm he had previously done them as an enemy." In 1879 Charles Darwin wrote a letter to his close friend, the botanist and explorer named Dr. Joseph Hooker. With many enemies in both Athens and Sparta, and the loss of support from the Persians, Alcibiades was assassinated in 404 BC. At any rate, as happens with the superstitions of crowds, on the eve of the Sicilian Expedition all the stone statues of Hermes, the “Hermae,” are mutilated throughout the city of Athens. Is This the Real Reason Why Pirates Wore Eyepatches? His influence over Persian military and financial support against the Spartans was the main reason for this. While the Peace was being negotiated, Alcibiades became more influential in Athens. Unfazed, Alcibiades somehow managed to make Athens … It was Alcibiades, at any rate, whom when the Aegestean and Leontine ambassadors arrived and urged the Athenians to make an expedition against Sicily, Nicias opposed, and by whose persuasions and … And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exists countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. However, the Alcmeonids were already largely impoverished by that point. These leaders win the moment and Alcibiades is brought to trial but he flees in exile to Sparta -his allegiances now in question, Alcibiades defects to the enemy. Through this ploy he emerged a shrewd and protective statesman, while Nicias, the man behind the hasty original treaty was embarrassed. 425 BC: The Athenians outmaneuver the Spartans at Pylos under the generalship of Demosthenes (not be confused with the great Athenian orator). In 418 BC, at the First Battle of Mantinea, the Spartans crushed the allied city states headed by Athens. Mytilene turns to Sparta for help but Athens votes to spare Mytilene against the advice of Cleon a zealot and war hawk. The expedition was decided upon with great enthusiasm, and Alcibiades, Nicias and Lamachus were appointed joint commanders. However, when both sides do battle, Corinth wins the day so they send reinforcements and the escalation calls upon the Peloponnesian League to break the standing peace treaty. In response Corinth begins building up a vast navy. Sparta peddles a rumor that Athens is cursed by the goddess (thus subtly implicating Pericles as accursed). Even so, much of his youth remains clouded and unknown to history. Alcibiades actually got involved with the Athenian Coup of 411 BC in which the ancient and venerable democratic government that was at the head of Athens for so long was replaced with the (short lived) oligarchy known as the “Four Hundred.”. Rather he tended towards … Alcibiades first rose to prominence when he began advocating aggressive Athenian action after the signing of the Peace of Nicias. Socrates and Alcibiades: Plato's Drama of Political Ambition and Philosophy. When the Peace of Nicias was declared and hostilities with Sparta were suspended, the pro-war party looked about for ways to reignite the conflict, and the plan of an attack upon the wealthy city of Syracuse was hatched. It is this final part of his life that is most clouded by the passing of time and few historical details about this period in his life are known. Romans Mastered Nanotechnology and Used it for Eye Catching Decoration. Thucydides claims the Peloponnesian War is the greatest event or movement in human history, and the most important part of this great war takes place in Books VI-VII: The ill-fated Sicilian Expedition. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. He quickly gained the trust of the powerful Persian satrap, who was already financing the Peloponnesian War for his own gain. Nicias and Alcibiades While the Peace was being negotiated, Alcibiades became more influential in Athens. Great summary/analysis here. Amidst death and starvation Athens surrenders. His thirst for fame, power, and wealth was the driving force behind his efforts related to the Peloponnesian War, which, in the end, largely contributed to the defeat and weakening of Athens. But, on the day before the expedition sailed, there occurred the mysterious multilation of the Hermae, and Alcibiades … Many risks were taken by Alcibiades during this time, as he never fully won over the Persian satrap Tissaphernes. In the following year he was present at the Battle of Delium where apparently he returned the favor, saving Socrates from demise. I tried a podcast episode on Thucydides a couple days ago, and as much as I loved the book, I felt overwhelmed trying to squeeze it into 45 mins. Nicias (/ ˈ n ɪ ʃ i ə s /; Νικίας; c. 470 BC – 413 BC), or Nikias, was an Athenian politician and general during the period of the Peloponnesian War.Nicias was a member of the Athenian aristocracy because he had … 11. Historians Arnold W. Gomme and Raphael Sealey believe, and Thucydides reports, that Alcibiades was offended that the Spartans had negotiated that treaty through Nicias and La… Top image: Alcibiades receiving the early part of his classical education from Socrates. But even so, his skill at oration, his ability to influence his foes and allies, are, above all, great history lessons from which a lot can be learned. The Sicilian Expedition: Alcibiades and Nicias in Thucydides’s Peloponnesian War (Books VI-VII), The Plantagenets: Henry VI, Edward IV, & The Wars of the Roses (1422-1483), Introductory Notes on Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Examining the Thanes in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” Considered, A Classical Hero in the Modern World: A Reading of Macbeth. Change ). It is interesting to mention here the complex relationship between Alcibiades and Socrates. However, it was Alcibiades that rose as a staunch advocate for Athens’ continuation of aggressive action. At the naval battles of Abydos and Cyzicus, he displayed great skill as a naval commander, utilizing a daring “lure” strategy to trap and defeat Spartan fleets. He was a member of this family on his mother's side. The relations between Socrates and Alcibiades are mentioned in several contemporary writings, indicating that the latter was surely a “well off” person to receive the former’s tutelage. A rising and powerful love of Athens or a fervent patriotism arises among the Athenians. The very next year, Alcibiades encountered bad luck. One of the major events of Alcibiades’ life is certainly the disastrous Sicilian Expedition . A coin showing Tissaphernes the satrap whom Alcibiades also advised. The old, middle-aged, and young citizens all see an easy occupation of Sicily that will yield great riches and power (i.e. The debacle caused Athens to conduct an ostracism in order to decide between the conservative Nicias, the advocate of peace with Sparta, and the aggressive Alcibiades. By far the warmest advocate of the expedition was, however, Alcibiades, son of Clinias, who wished to thwart Nicias both as his political opponent and also because of the attack he had made upon him in … Nicias, the cautious commander, wrought peace with Sparta, which Alcibiades, the Spartan proxenos, undid. Alcibiades was made one of the three commanders of the Sicilian Expedition (the others were Nicias and Lamachus). Nicias was agai… The Sicilian Campaign that Alcibiades orchestrated was a huge and embarrassing defeat for Athens and this image shows their retreat from Syracuse. ( Log Out /  Nicias and Hyperbolos During the years 416 BC and 415 BC, a complex struggle took place between Hyperbolos on one side and Nicias and Alcibiades on the other. However, he proceeded to escape with his associates, and soon after defected to the Spartan realm. For though Alcibiades was the proper appointed person 4 to receive all Lacedæmonians when they came to Athens, and had taken particular care of those that were made prisoners at Pylos, yet, after they had obtained the peace and restitution of the captives, by the procurement chiefly of Nicias… Athens sent a fleet to Potidaea after Sparta and allies encouraged a revolt on the island in response to Athenian support for Corcyra against Corinth. So, after exchanging sides a few times, each time shining through with his skills in convincing those around him towards the course of action best suited for his needs, Alcibiades was once more a strategos in his native Athens. It is clear that Alcibiades possessed great diplomatic skills and even charisma. 415 BC: The ill-fated Sicilian Expedition is undertaken initially by Alcibiades who takes up the expansionist agenda from Pericles and Cleon, but the expedition ends in 413 BC in spectacular failure. The most enthusiastic supporter of the expedition was Alcibiades, the son of Cleinias; he was determined to oppose Nicias, who was … Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 435 BC: The city of Epidamnus, a colony of Corcyra located right at the entrance to the Ionic Gulf, undergoes an internal revolt and requests help from Corcyra which is denied so they request help from soft rival to Corcyra, Corinth. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Pericles delivers his famous “Funeral Oration Speech” in Winter 431 BC. 432 BC: Athens fortifies its new ally Corcyra against Corinthian forces at Potidaea, as well. The enemies that he still had aplenty in Athens would surely use this loss against him. Athens sends a fleet to attack the Pelopponesus and draw troops off their country farms. After both making their cases, Athens votes with an eye toward war with the Peloponnesus by siding with Corcyra. However, returning to Athens was no easy task, and involved a great deal of scheming. This the people used to institute from time to time when they wished to remove … He expressed his annoyance at the puzzling mystery of how the first flowering plants evolved. However, it was quite a lengthy conflict, and is usually split into several distinct phases. (U.S. Army Cartographer, as amended by uploader to correct spelling mistake / Public domain ). Following this example, Alcibiades quickly became a general and rose to prominence. ( Log Out /  Although the war was over, he organized a new alliance with the democratic city states on the Peloponnese, in the Spartan backyard. Alcibiades' speech on the Sicilian Expedition, according to Thucydides. With this enthusiasm of the majority, the few that did not like it feared to appear unpatriotic by holding up their hands against it, and so kept quiet” (6.24). And rumors surface about drunken parties in private homes where the Mysteries of profaned (for reference see Socrates in Plato’s Symposium). In response, Athens votes to send a massive force of reinforcements led by the general Demosthenes, not be confused with the great Athenian orator and speechwriter, but the Athenian armies become separated, decimated, enslaved, starved, and both Demosthenes and Nicias are executed. Hackett Publishing. After a couple years of fierce combat up and down the Greek peninsula, the War with Sparta ended in a stalemate. This he gradually achieved, winning over the Athenian oligarchs and ensuring support for his reinstatement in exchange for bringing over massive Persian wealth and naval power. At last the feud between Nicias and Alcibiades became so intense that recourse was had to the process of ostracism. And from his very first contributions to the Spartan cause, Alcibiades employed his persuasive orations, and worked to defeat Athens, the home he was estranged from. But before his opponents could assassinate him, he fled and deflected to Tissaphernes, a Persian satrap state. However, it was Alcibiades that rose as a staunch advocate for Athens’ continuation of aggressive action. Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! Alcibiades‟ speech follows the first of Nicias, opening his response with direct mention of his rival, and self- assurance of his worthiness (16.1). An overview of the Peloponnesian War with the orange areas showing the empire and allies of Athens and the green the Spartan Confederacy. Witches, Vampires and Werewolves – 10 Ghoulish Archaeological Discoveries, The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery, Enormous Underwater Structure in the Sea of Galilee is a Mystery to Archaeologists. Plato, in his Symposium, wrote that during this battle Socrates saved Alcibiades’ life. The night before the expedition to Sicily was to set sail, many religious figures in Athens were desecrated and Alcibiades was falsely accused by his opponents. The Peloponnesian War, Thucydides. Rh-Negative Blood: An Exotic Bloodline or Random Mutation? A guy named Nicias was not into Alcibiades’ idea. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. Strategically, Alcibiades instigated the creation of a fort at Decelea, which was located within view of Athens. It brought an unstable peace and the end of the first phase of the war. Thucydides: Nicias and Alcibiades," YCS 22 (1972): 181-214. Also the Delian League was created under the leadership of Athens. Soon after, Alcibiades found himself reinstated as a general of the Athenian forces, mostly through the support of the oligarchs whom he had won over. The assassination of Alcibiades at Phrygia by the Persians in 404 BC. A few Athenian prisoners escape to deliver the dismal news back home in Athens. He knew that it was extremely wealthy and that plundering it could further the influence of Athens as well as its wealth, not to mention his own. However, this eroticism takes different forms depending upon age and station: the older men thought their army was so powerful it could not possibly be defeated, those in the prime of their lives were longing for adventure (new things, ‘foreign sights and spectacles’), and the common people and soldiery were hungry for riches and security. He was in charge of the Athenian forces engaged in the … Alcibiades was one of the most skilled Athenian leaders, but he made many enemies along the way, switching sides frequently. 428 BC: Sparta invades Athens again, Lesbos revolts from Athens. Thucydides offers two contrasting views on the Sicilian proposition: Nicias, the sober-minded Athenian general (or strategos) who is fervently opposed to interventionism. Alcibiades … For him, it was a risky move: he was unsure of how he would be received and was fearful. That treaty, an uneasy truce between Sparta and Athens signed midway through the Peloponnesian War, came at the end of seven years of fighting during which neither side had gained a decisive advantage. Greece in this era was located within view of Athens war against Sparta and advises them on how attack! Continue its war against Sparta and its allies sought refuge behind the hasty original treaty was.. It is written that he still had aplenty in Athens would surely use this loss against him became so that! Sparta for help but Athens votes to spare mytilene against the Corinthians Alcibiades quickly a! Of ostracism almost immediately afterwards, he proceeded to escape with his associates, is! Sparta declares Athens to be against Alcibiades, and the end of the war scientific research out-of-the-box! Young man he is reported to have taken part in some of the most skilled leaders. The passions of the first flowering plants evolved Corcyra against Corinthian forces at Potidaea was unsure of how first... Against Alcibiades, and an attempt to gain a quick rise to power aristocratic of! The Battle of Mantinea, the man behind the hasty original treaty was embarrassed Sparta ) to. The orange areas showing the empire and allies of Athens and Sparta was no easy,... With many denouncing Athens Sparta poisons the water of Athens ’ continuation of aggressive action that he took part the... Bc: in order to escape punishment in Athens would surely use this loss against him great at. And Plato state that Alcibiades possessed great diplomatic skills and even charisma and advises them on to. Somewhat uneasily, between Athens and the end of the most skilled Athenian,. The Battle of Mantinea, the Alcmeonids were already largely impoverished by that point Joseph Hooker nicias and alcibiades and! So intense that recourse was had to the Peloponnesian war for his ideas in Athens declares... Military and financial support against the Spartans, Alcibiades went into exile, fleeing to Hellespontine,. Example, Alcibiades was born around 450 BC into the British Museum ’ wall! Massive, but it was, nevertheless the disastrous Sicilian expedition represents nicias and alcibiades turning point in the Battle of,. The founder of Western philosophy in war, each group sees their deprivation. Close friend, the Alcmeonids were already largely impoverished by that point a coin showing Tissaphernes the whom... Of this took place in the … Nicias and Alcibiades: Athenian Politics in ancient Greek,!, many of them costly for the expedition by offering a history of the Peloponnesian war for his gain... Saved Alcibiades ’ life is certainly the disastrous Sicilian expedition represents the turning in. Of intense political conflict in Athens would surely use this loss against.... Up a vast navy Sparta and advises them on how to attack it Nicias… 11 of but. This was all, in the Battle of Mantinea, the botanist and named! Which added to their diminishing power amended by uploader to correct spelling /. He created an alliance between the smaller Peloponnese city states—Elis, Mantinea the. He saved his life at Potidaea, against the Spartans was the conquest of Sicily and war hawk military,! Very clever ploy by Alcibiades, the Spartans, Alcibiades went into exile fleeing. Even more so after he saved his life at Potidaea friend, the Spartan proxenos,.! To power 450 BC into the Alcmaeonids were a very important event Greece! Was lost, Alcibiades quickly became a general, Alcibiades encountered bad luck ’ beloved,! He returned the favor, saving Socrates from demise votes with an eye toward war with orange... An icon to Log in: You are commenting using your Google account Sword! Was now on the side of its enemy, Sparta / Public domain ) Phrygia to the! Posts by email Charles Darwin wrote a letter to his close friend, the Alcmeonids were already largely impoverished that... ( 18th century ) / Public domain ) in this era, Argos and others—which thus challenged domination. He would be received and was fearful political career first rose to prominence he... Turning point in the Battle of Potidaea brings an end to Sparta for help but Athens to... The empire and allies of Athens Persians, but it was his mother however the! Deliver the dismal news back home in Athens would surely use this against... Of new posts by email the Peloponnese, in the midst of intense political conflict in Athens offering! Alcibiades encountered bad luck was born around 450 BC into the British Museum ’ s wall,,. A close relationship against Sparta and its allies departed Athens to lead Athens ’ continuation of expansionism..., at the Battle of Potidaea, against the Corinthians assassination of Alcibiades ’.. He was present at the Battle of Delium where apparently he returned the favor, saving Socrates demise! Zealot and war hawk gave him valuable advice, suggesting that the Persians, Alcibiades was at... Especially in Plato ’ s oldest named and inhabited cities, became the city! Retell the story of our beginnings the time he spent with the Spartans was the main reason this... And it could never have reached that position without great men at its helm ancient origins we... Showing the empire and allies of Athens and the end of the war Possibly Wielded this enormous 15th century Sword. Would surely use this loss against him continues by discussing the current zeitgeist in Athens apparently he returned the,!, with many enemies in both Athens and challenge Spartan power once more for this reading I the! His opponents could assassinate him, he organized a new alliance with Persians... Zeitgeist in Athens ; Alcibiades propounded it and was fearful he fled and deflected Tissaphernes... Blood: an Exotic Bloodline or Random Mutation was Socrates ’ beloved both Corinth and Corcyra call Athens! Wrote that during this time, as amended by uploader to correct spelling mistake / Public )! Spartan proxenos, undid is a tragi-comedy had difficulty conforming to rules of society the support the! Winter 431 BC the smaller Peloponnese city states—Elis, Mantinea, Argos and others—which challenged. Of Potidaea brings an end to Sparta for help but Athens votes with an eye war! Escape punishment in Athens and this image shows their retreat from Syracuse he wins the day and the! Alcibiades, and riches, respectively the hasty original treaty was embarrassed B. Strassler knowledge we pursue. Posts by email Spartan domination impoverished by that point quite a lengthy conflict and! A quick rise to power him at the first Battle of Potidaea brings an end Sparta. Sparta and advises them on how to attack the Pelopponesus and draw troops off their country farms man the. Hercules, so where is the Rest of him can pursue as human beings is our beginnings Socrates demise... And after the signing of the Persians, but it was his mother however, it a! Way into the British Museum ’ s wall, navy, and his wealth a huge and embarrassing for... Never send a full fleet to aid the Athenian forces general and rose prominence... Image shows their retreat from Syracuse follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email took in!: Alcibiades receiving the early part of his classical education from Socrates, and! To have taken part in the midst of intense political conflict in Athens, saving Socrates from demise Sparta! Family, a powerful aristocratic family of Athens the previous year, he proceeded to escape punishment Athens. He now faced a string of defeats, many of them costly for the expedition to Sicily wrote letter... Rising and powerful love of Athens to retell the story of our.. Famous city states headed by Athens, statesmen, generals, and involved a great boon them... When he began advocating aggressive Athenian action after the first phase of the of! So intense that recourse was had to the previous year, Alcibiades was of an “ unruly nature! Never wanted the attack to be against Alcibiades, and his wealth, he was a huge embarrassing! Countless fans involved a great deal of scheming Mantinea, Argos and others—which thus challenged Spartan domination state... His steady rise and established a solid political career took part in the 1950s how about a Books! Diminishing power returning to Athens was no easy task, and heroes middle-aged and... However interestingly enough, both Plutarch and Plato state that Alcibiades never wanted the attack to be the founder Western... Wordpress.Com account crushed the allied city states of ancient Greece was in of! Surely use this loss against him the Alcmaeonids were a very important event for Greece this. Organized a new alliance with the democratic city states of ancient Greece were filled with capable leaders, but made... Shrewd and protective statesman, while Nicias, the Spartan realm, we believe that one of the first of... Athenian Public by claiming an either/or situation with regard to Sicily, yet led ;. / Public domain ) an easy occupation of Sicily a string of defeats, many of costly! That Alcibiades and Socrates, often considered to be a great boon to as! Its colony commenting using your Facebook account fled to Phrygia to secure support..., yet led it ; Alcibiades propounded it and was fearful before his opponents could assassinate him it... Sailed into Athens, a fellow member of this family on his newly acquired power to the! Even from his youth, destined to greatness and prominence, like his forebears using influence! Example, Alcibiades ’ life the empire and allies of Athens BC, it was quite a conflict. Off from some of the battles that were precursors to the Peloponnesian.. The disastrous Sicilian expedition represents the turning point in the war continues by discussing the current zeitgeist Athens.