Today's Passage
This passage presents Nicias's speech to the Athenian assembly in 415 BCE, as he attempts to dissuade them from the Sicilian Expedition by outlining its enormous requirements.
Crawley Translation (1910)
“I think, therefore, that we ought to take great numbers of heavy infantry, both from Athens and from our allies, and not merely from our subjects, but also any we may be able to get for love or for money in Peloponnese, and great numbers also of archers and slingers, to make head against the Sicilian horse. Meanwhile we must have an overwhelming superiority at sea, to enable us the more easily to carry in what we want; and we must take our own corn in merchant vessels, that is to say, wheat and parched barley, and bakers from the mills compelled to serve for pay in the proper proportion; in order that in case of our being weather-bound the armament may not want provisions, as it is not every city that will be able to entertain numbers like ours. We must also provide ourselves with everything else as far as we can, so as not to be dependent upon others; and above all we must take with us from home as much money as possible, as the sums talked of as ready at Egesta are readier, you may be sure, in talk than in any other way.
“Indeed, even if we leave Athens with a force not only equal to that of the enemy except in the number of heavy infantry in the field, but even at all points superior to him, we shall still find it difficult to conquer Sicily or save ourselves. We must not disguise from ourselves that we go to found a city among strangers and enemies, and that he who undertakes such an enterprise should be prepared to become master of the country the first day he lands, or failing in this to find everything hostile to him. Fearing this, and knowing that we shall have need of much good counsel and more good fortune—a hard matter for mortal man to aspire to—I wish as far as may be to make myself independent of fortune before sailing, and when I do sail, to be as safe as a strong force can make me. This I believe to be surest for the country at large, and safest for us who are to go on the expedition. If any one thinks differently I resign to him my command.”
Modern Translation
I believe, therefore, that we must bring vast numbers of heavy infantry, drawn not only from Athens and our subject allies, but also any mercenaries we can recruit from the Peloponnese, whether through friendship or payment. We'll need huge contingents of archers and slingers to counter the Sicilian cavalry. Above all, we must establish overwhelming naval supremacy to ensure we can transport supplies without hindrance. We must bring our own grain aboard merchant ships—wheat and roasted barley—and conscript bakers from the mills to serve for wages in proper proportions. This way, if storms trap us, our forces won't lack provisions, since not every city can support an army of our size. We must prepare everything possible in advance to avoid dependence on others. Most critically, we must bring substantial funds from home, for the money supposedly waiting at Egesta exists more reliably in promises than in reality.
In truth, even if we depart Athens with forces matching the enemy in every respect except field infantry—indeed, even if we surpass them at every point—we will still struggle to conquer Sicily or ensure our own survival. Let us not deceive ourselves: we sail to establish a settlement among foreigners and foes. Anyone undertaking such a venture must be ready to dominate the territory from the moment of landing, or else face universal hostility. Recognizing this danger, and understanding our need for both excellent planning and extraordinary luck—something mortals can hardly guarantee—I intend to minimize our dependence on fortune before we sail. When we do embark, I want the security that only superior forces can provide. This approach seems safest both for Athens generally and for those of us joining this expedition. If anyone disagrees with this assessment, I willingly surrender my command to him.
Historical Context
This passage presents Nicias's speech to the Athenian assembly in 415 BCE, as he attempts to dissuade them from the Sicilian Expedition by outlining its enormous requirements. As one of the elected generals alongside Alcibiades and Lamachus, Nicias opposed the expedition but was overruled. His strategy here is reverse psychology: by exaggerating the necessary preparations, he hopes to make the Athenians reconsider. However, his plan backfires spectacularly—the assembly votes to provide everything he requests, making the expedition even larger and more ambitious. This moment captures a critical turning point in Athenian history, as the city commits to what will become its most catastrophic military disaster. The speech reveals both Nicias's cautious nature and the dangerous momentum of Athenian imperialism at its height.
Key Themes
Annotations & References
The Sicilian Expedition
Athens' massive military campaign (415-413 BCE) aimed at conquering Sicily, particularly Syracuse. It ended in complete disaster with the loss of over 40,000 men and 200 ships, marking the beginning of Athens' decline. The expedition exemplified imperial overreach and the dangers of democratic decision-making driven by ambition rather than prudence.
Learn more →Ancient Greek Warfare
Greek armies relied on heavy infantry (hoplites), supported by light troops like archers and slingers. Cavalry was less common in Greece but crucial in Sicily. Naval supremacy was essential for supplying overseas campaigns, as armies couldn't live off hostile territory for extended periods.
Learn more →Egesta
A Sicilian city that appealed to Athens for help against Selinus, promising substantial financial support. Athenian envoys were deceived about Egesta's wealth through elaborate tricks, contributing to the decision to intervene. Nicias's skepticism about their promises proved well-founded.
Learn more →Athenian Democracy
The Athenian assembly (ekklesia) made major decisions including war and peace. Citizens could speak and vote directly, but this system was vulnerable to persuasive speakers and popular enthusiasm. The Sicilian debate shows how democratic deliberation could produce catastrophic decisions despite warnings.
Learn more →Parallel Ancient Sources
Plutarch: Life of Nicias (12-14)
Plutarch provides a biographical perspective on Nicias's opposition to the expedition, emphasizing his religious scruples and cautious nature. He portrays Nicias as trapped between his better judgment and the assembly's enthusiasm.
Read passage →Diodorus Siculus: Library of History (12.83-84)
Diodorus offers an alternative account of the Sicilian debate, providing different details about the arguments made and the assembly's reaction. His version emphasizes the role of Alcibiades in promoting the expedition.
Read passage →Xenophon: Hellenica (2.2.3)
While not covering this specific debate, Xenophon describes the aftermath of the Sicilian disaster and its impact on Athenian power, showing the long-term consequences that Nicias feared.
Read passage →Discussion Questions
- How does Nicias's strategy of exaggerating requirements reflect on the dynamics of democratic decision-making? Can you think of modern parallels?
- What does this passage reveal about the relationship between fortune (tyche) and human planning in Greek thought?
- How does Nicias's emphasis on self-sufficiency and preparation contrast with typical Greek military campaigns?
- Why might Nicias's offer to resign command be seen as a rhetorical device rather than a genuine proposal?