Thucydides would have been acutely aware of the dangerous and historically significant times he was living in. No mere military skirmish, the Peloponnesian War was the largest, and costliest,  military engagement between Greek states in the classical age.

Taking place during the latter half of the 5th century BC, the Peloponnesian war would see the Peloponnesian league (lead by the formidable Spartan army) lock horns with the Athenian empire and their overwhelming navy. Thucydides recounts the origins of the war and describes some of its bloodiest and costliest consequences.

Enjoy selections from The History of the Peloponnesian War with a new foreword from Ben Potter.

The History of the Peloponnesian War
Edited by Nicole Saldarriaga and Van Bryan
Foreword by Ben Potter