The Peloponnesian War Athens, Sparta, and the Struggle for Greece

by Bagnall, Nigel

• ISBN13: 9780312342159
• ISBN10: 0312342152
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-25
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Summary

The Peloponnesian War,the epic struggle between Athens and Sparta, occupies a vital part in military history because of the enormous military and political changes it inspired. In this brilliant book, Sir Nigel Bagnall sets out to analyze and clarify the war, describing in compelling detail the events that led up to it. His meticulous attention to historical context offers a refreshing contrast to traditional accounts. The conflict lasted from 431 to 404 B.C., until the confederation led by Sparta finally conquered Athens and her allies. Bagnall dissects the complex relationship between the two states and closely studies their political conduct in the run-up to war, offering a riveting account of the strategy and tactics involved. He also outlines its innovations and lessons, which would have enormous military repercussions for future generations. These include the importance of having clear politico-strategic objectives, the interplay of maritime and land operations, and the problems of achieving cohesion in an alliance in which all the participants see themselves as fellow citizens. The Peloponnesian Waris an important book that shines new light on an always relevant subject.

Author Biography

Sir Nigel Bagnall was born in India in 1927. He joined the British Army in 1945 and served in Palestine, Malaya, Borneo, the Canal Zone, Cyprus, Singapore, and Germany. He ended his distinguished military career as chief of the General Staff in London, and went on to become an honorary fellow of Balliol College, Oxford.  He died in 2002.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vii
Maps	viii
Principal Characters	xv
Introduction	1	(3)
An Historical Survey	4	(41)
The Greeks and Their Background	45	(23)
The Persians and Their Background	68	(8)
The Expeditions of Mardonius and Darius 493--490 BC	76	(8)
Xerxes Invades 480 BC	84	(28)
The Inter-War Years 480--431 BC	112	(19)