Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Peloponnesian War

Dive into the complexities of one of ancient history’s most pivotal conflicts with our meticulously curated reading list on the Peloponnesian War.

(c) Osprey Publishing

Unravel the intricate web of political intrigue, military strategy, and cultural upheaval that characterized this protracted struggle between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies. Delve into Thucydides’ timeless account of the war, a seminal work of historical writing that offers invaluable insights into the nature of power, diplomacy, and human nature itself. Explore the diverse perspectives of contemporary historians and modern scholars as they analyze the causes, course, and consequences of this epoch-defining conflict. From the clash of empires on the battlefield to the impact of war on society, economy, and culture, our reading list offers a comprehensive overview of the Peloponnesian War and its enduring significance in shaping the course of Western civilization. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious enthusiast, our curated selection of texts invites you to explore this fascinating chapter in ancient history and deepen your understanding of the world-changing events that unfolded more than two millennia ago.

General

  • De Ste Croix, G.E.M., The origins of the Peloponnesian War, London, 1972.
  • Tritle, L.A., A new history of the Peloponnesian War, Chichester, 2010.

Further Reading

  • Badian, E., ‘Thucydides and the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War: a historian’s brief’ in From Plataea to Potidaea: studies in the history and historiography of the Pentecontaetia, Baltimore, 1993, 125-162.
  • Brunt, P.A., ‘Spartan Strategy in the Archidamian War‘ in Studies in Greek history and thought, Oxford, 1993.
  • Cawkwell, G., ‘Thucydides’ judgement of Periclean strategy’ in Yale Classical Studies 24, Cambridge MA, 1975, 53-70.
  • Cawkwell, G., Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War, London, 1997.
  • Holladay, A.J., ‘Athenian Strategy in the Archidamian War’ in Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte, 1978, 399-427.
  • Kagan, D., The Archidamian War, London, 1974.
  • Kagan, D., The fall of the Athenian Empire, London, 1987.
  • Lewis, D.M., ‘The Archidamian War’ in The Cambridge ancient history: Vol. 5: The fifth century B.C., Cambridge, 1992, 370-432.
  • Liebeschuetz, W., ‘Thucydides and the Sicilian Expedition’ in Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte, 1968, 289-306.
  • Meyer, E.A., ‘The outbreak of the Peloponnesian War after 25 years’ in Polis and polemos: essays on politics, war, and history in Ancient Greece, in honor of Donald Kagan, Claremont CA, 1997, 23-54.
  • Powell, A., Athens and Sparta: constructing Greek political and social history from 478 BC, London, 1988, Ch 2-4.
  • Rhodes, P.J., Thucydides on the Causes of the Peloponnesian War in Hermes, 1987, 154-165.
  • Sealey, R., ‘The Causes of the Peloponnesian War’ in Classical Philology 70.2, 1975, 89-109.
  • Spence, I.G., ‘Perikles and the Defence of Attika during the Peloponnesian War’ in The Journal of Hellenic Studies 110, 1990, 91-109.