Today's Passage
This passage occurs during the crucial Athenian assembly debate of 415 BCE about the Sicilian Expedition.
Crawley Translation (1910)
Such were the words of Nicias. Most of the Athenians that came forward spoke in favour of the expedition, and of not annulling what had been voted, although some spoke on the other side. 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 his speech, and who was, besides, exceedingly ambitious of a command by which he hoped to reduce Sicily and Carthage, and personally to gain in wealth and reputation by means of his successes. For the position he held among the citizens led him to indulge his tastes beyond what his real means would bear, both in keeping horses and in the rest of his expenditure; and this later on had not a little to do with the ruin of the Athenian state. Alarmed at the greatness of his licence in his own life and habits, and of the ambition which he showed in all things soever that he undertook, the mass of the people set him down as a pretender to the tyranny, and became his enemies; and although publicly his conduct of the war was as good as could be desired, individually, his habits gave offence to every one, and caused them to commit affairs to other hands, and thus before long to ruin the city. Meanwhile he now came forward and gave the following advice to the Athenians:
Modern Translation
These were Nicias' arguments. The majority of Athenians who spoke supported the expedition and opposed canceling the vote, though some argued against it. By far the most passionate supporter of the expedition was Alcibiades, son of Clinias. He wanted to oppose Nicias—both as his political rival and because Nicias had attacked him in his speech—and he was also extraordinarily ambitious for a command through which he hoped to conquer Sicily and Carthage, while personally enriching himself and enhancing his reputation through his victories. His prominent position among the citizens led him to live beyond his means, maintaining racing horses and other extravagances; this would later contribute significantly to Athens' downfall. The people were alarmed by his excessive personal conduct and lifestyle, and by the ambition he displayed in every undertaking. They suspected him of aspiring to tyranny and became hostile toward him. Although his public management of military affairs was exemplary, his private behavior offended everyone, leading them to entrust leadership to others—a decision that would soon destroy the city. At this moment, however, he stepped forward and offered the following counsel to the Athenians:
Historical Context
This passage occurs during the crucial Athenian assembly debate of 415 BCE about the Sicilian Expedition. Following Nicias' speech attempting to dissuade the Athenians from this risky venture, Alcibiades emerges as the expedition's chief advocate. The scene captures the volatile political dynamics between Athens' two leading figures: the cautious, older Nicias and the brilliant but controversial young aristocrat Alcibiades. Thucydides provides crucial character analysis here, revealing how Alcibiades' personal ambitions and extravagant lifestyle created public distrust despite his military competence. This foreshadows the political instability that would plague Athens during the expedition, as Alcibiades would later defect to Sparta when recalled to face charges. The historian's assessment that this mistrust 'before long' ruined the city refers to Athens' eventual defeat in the Peloponnesian War.
Key Themes
Annotations & References
Alcibiades' Character
Alcibiades (c. 450-404 BCE) was Athens' most controversial politician, combining brilliant military talent with scandalous personal behavior. His extravagant lifestyle, including keeping expensive racing horses, exemplified aristocratic excess that democratic Athenians found threatening.
Learn more →Athenian Democracy and Tyranny
Athenians were hypersensitive to potential tyrants after overthrowing the Peisistratid tyranny in 510 BCE. Any citizen displaying excessive ambition or wealth could be suspected of tyrannical aspirations, making ostracism or prosecution likely.
Learn more →The Sicilian Expedition
The Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE) was Athens' attempt to conquer Sicily, particularly Syracuse. This massive undertaking would end in complete disaster, destroying much of Athens' military power and marking the beginning of their decline in the Peloponnesian War.
Learn more →Political Rivalry in Athens
Athenian democracy was characterized by intense personal rivalries between leading politicians (prostates). These conflicts often determined policy, as seen here where Alcibiades' opposition to Nicias partly stems from personal animosity rather than purely strategic considerations.
Learn more →Parallel Ancient Sources
Plutarch: Life of Alcibiades (17.1-3)
Plutarch describes the same assembly debate, emphasizing Alcibiades' personal motivations and his rivalry with Nicias, while providing additional details about his luxurious lifestyle.
Read passage →Plutarch: Life of Nicias (12.1-2)
Offers Nicias' perspective on the debate and his attempts to prevent the expedition, portraying him as prudent but outmaneuvered by Alcibiades' rhetoric and popularity.
Read passage →Diodorus Siculus: Library of History (12.83-84)
Provides an alternative account of the Sicilian debate, with less psychological detail but confirming the basic narrative of competing speeches and Athenian enthusiasm for expansion.
Read passage →Discussion Questions
- How does Thucydides' analysis of Alcibiades' motivations reflect on the nature of political leadership in democratic societies?
- What does this passage suggest about the relationship between private morality and public service in ancient Athens?
- How might the outcome have differed if Athenians had separated their judgment of Alcibiades' military competence from their suspicion of his personal ambitions?
- Does Thucydides seem to blame Athens' downfall more on Alcibiades' character or on the people's reaction to him?