Today's Passage
This passage records the terms of the one-year armistice negotiated between Athens and Sparta in 423 BCE, during a lull in the Archidamian War phase of the Peloponnesian conflict.
Crawley Translation (1910)
1. As to the temple and oracle of the Pythian Apollo, we are agreed that whosoever will shall have access to it, without fraud or fear, according to the usages of his forefathers. The Lacedaemonians and the allies present agree to this, and promise to send heralds to the Boeotians and Phocians, and to do their best to persuade them to agree likewise.
2. As to the treasure of the god, we agree to exert ourselves to detect all malversators, truly and honestly following the customs of our forefathers, we and you and all others willing to do so, all following the customs of our forefathers. As to these points the Lacedaemonians and the other allies are agreed as has been said.
3. As to what follows, the Lacedaemonians and the other allies agree, if the Athenians conclude a treaty, to remain, each of us in our own territory, retaining our respective acquisitions: the garrison in Coryphasium keeping within Buphras and Tomeus: that in Cythera attempting no communication with the Peloponnesian confederacy, neither we with them, nor they with us: that in Nisaea and Minoa not crossing the road leading from the gates of the temple of Nisus to that of Poseidon and from thence straight to the bridge at Minoa: the Megarians and the allies being equally bound not to cross this road, and the Athenians retaining the island they have taken, without any communication on either side: as to Troezen, each side retaining what it has, and as was arranged with the Athenians.
4. As to the use of the sea, so far as refers to their own coast and to that of their confederacy, that the Lacedaemonians and their allies may voyage upon it in any vessel rowed by oars and of not more than five hundred talents tonnage, not a vessel of war.
5. That all heralds and embassies, with as many attendants as they please, for concluding the war and adjusting claims, shall have free passage, going and coming, to Peloponnese or Athens by land and by sea.
6. That during the truce, deserters whether bond or free shall be received neither by you, nor by us.
7. Further, that satisfaction shall be given by you to us and by us to you according to the public law of our several countries, all disputes being settled by law without recourse to hostilities.
The Lacedaemonians and allies agree to these articles; but if you have anything fairer or juster to suggest, come to Lacedaemon and let us know: whatever shall be just will meet with no objection either from the Lacedaemonians or from the allies. Only let those who come come with full powers, as you desire us. The truce shall be for one year.
Modern Translation
Regarding the temple and oracle of Pythian Apollo, we have reached agreement that anyone who wishes shall have access to it, without deception or intimidation, in accordance with ancestral customs. The Spartans and their allies who are present consent to this arrangement and pledge to dispatch envoys to the Boeotians and Phocians, making every effort to secure their agreement as well.
Concerning the god's treasury, we commit ourselves to identifying those who have misappropriated funds, conducting our investigation with integrity and honesty according to our ancestral traditions—both we and you, along with any others willing to participate, all adhering to traditional practices. The Spartans and their allies have agreed to these terms as stated.
Regarding subsequent matters, the Spartans and their allies agree that, should the Athenians ratify this treaty, each party shall remain within their own territory, maintaining their current possessions: the garrison at Coryphasium shall stay within the boundaries of Buphras and Tomeus; the force at Cythera shall have no contact with the Peloponnesian League—neither shall we communicate with them, nor they with us; at Nisaea and Minoa, neither side shall cross the road extending from the gates of Nisus's temple to Poseidon's temple and then directly to the Minoan bridge—the Megarians and their allies being equally prohibited from crossing this road, while the Athenians retain the island they have captured, with no communication permitted between either side; regarding Troezen, each party shall keep what they currently possess, as previously arranged with the Athenians.
Concerning maritime navigation along their own coastlines and those of their respective alliances, the Spartans and their allies may sail in any oar-powered vessel not exceeding five hundred talents in capacity, provided it is not a warship.
All heralds and diplomatic missions, accompanied by whatever retinue they deem necessary, shall have unrestricted passage by land and sea between Peloponnese and Athens for the purpose of ending the war and resolving disputes.
During this armistice, neither side shall harbor deserters, whether enslaved or free.
Additionally, legal satisfaction shall be provided by each party to the other according to our respective national laws, with all disagreements resolved through legal proceedings rather than armed conflict.
The Spartans and their allies accept these terms; however, if you have proposals that are more equitable or just, send representatives to Sparta to present them. Any reasonable proposal will receive due consideration from both the Spartans and their allies. We only request that your envoys arrive with full negotiating authority, as you have requested of us. This truce shall remain in effect for one year.
Historical Context
This passage records the terms of the one-year armistice negotiated between Athens and Sparta in 423 BCE, during a lull in the Archidamian War phase of the Peloponnesian conflict. The truce came after nearly eight years of inconclusive warfare that had exhausted both sides. Key negotiators included the Spartan king Pleistoanax and the Athenian general Nicias, who favored peace. The agreement addresses several contentious issues: access to the sacred oracle at Delphi (which had been restricted during wartime), territorial boundaries of occupied areas, naval restrictions, and diplomatic protocols. The armistice represents a pragmatic attempt to freeze the status quo while both sides explored possibilities for a more permanent settlement. Notably, the terms reveal the complex web of occupied territories and the delicate balance of power that had emerged after years of see-saw campaigning.
Key Themes
Annotations & References
Oracle at Delphi
The Pythian Apollo's oracle at Delphi was the most important religious site in Greece, consulted by both individuals and states on matters of great importance. Control of access to Delphi was a significant political tool, and ensuring free access was a key diplomatic concern throughout Greek history.
Learn more →Talent (Weight Measurement)
The 'five hundred talents tonnage' refers to a ship's cargo capacity, not monetary value. A talent was approximately 26 kilograms. This restriction effectively limited vessels to merchant ships and small craft, preventing the movement of warships during the truce.
Learn more →Coryphasium (Pylos)
Coryphasium was the Spartan name for Pylos, where Athens had established a fort in 425 BCE. The Athenian occupation of this Messenian site was a major strategic victory, as it provided a base for raids into Spartan territory and encouraged helot revolts.
Learn more →Greek Diplomatic Protocol
The emphasis on envoys having 'full powers' (autokratores) reflects Greek diplomatic practice where negotiators needed explicit authority to make binding agreements. Cities often sent multiple ambassadors to prevent any individual from exceeding their mandate.
Learn more →Parallel Ancient Sources
Diodorus Siculus: Library of History (12.75-76)
Diodorus provides a condensed account of this same truce, though with less detail about specific terms. He emphasizes the war-weariness of both sides and mentions the influence of peace parties in both Athens and Sparta.
Read passage →Plutarch: Life of Nicias (9-10)
Plutarch describes Nicias's role in negotiating this truce, portraying him as genuinely devoted to peace. He provides character insights absent from Thucydides' more austere narrative.
Read passage →Aristophanes: Peace (Lines 990-1015)
This comedy, produced in 421 BCE, reflects Athenian public opinion about peace negotiations. While not historically precise, it captures the popular mood and desire for ending hostilities that made such truces possible.
Read passage →Discussion Questions
- How do the specific geographical boundaries mentioned in the truce reflect the strategic priorities of each side? What does this tell us about the military situation in 423 BCE?
- Why might both sides have insisted on provisions regarding deserters? What does this suggest about internal stability in both Athens and Sparta?
- The truce guarantees access to Delphi 'without fraud or fear.' Why was religious access a diplomatic priority during wartime, and what does this reveal about the role of religion in Greek interstate relations?
- Compare the tone of this diplomatic document with Thucydides' narrative passages. How does the formal language of diplomacy differ from historical narrative, and what might this tell us about Thucydides' sources?