Today's Passage
This passage captures the climactic moment of the debate at Sparta in 432 BCE, where the Peloponnesian League allies vote for war against Athens.
Crawley Translation (1910)
“Your position, therefore, from whatever quarter you may view it, will amply justify you in going to war; and this step we recommend in the interests of all, bearing in mind that identity of interest is the surest of bonds, whether between states or individuals. Delay not, therefore, to assist Potidæa, a Dorian city besieged by Ionians, which is quite a reversal of the order of things; nor to assert the freedom of the rest. It is impossible for us to wait any longer when waiting can only mean immediate disaster for some of us, and, if it comes to be known that we have conferred but do not venture to protect ourselves, like disaster in the near future for the rest. Delay not, fellow allies, but, convinced of the necessity of the crisis and the wisdom of this counsel, vote for the war, undeterred by its immediate terrors, but looking beyond to the lasting peace by which it will be succeeded. Out of war peace gains fresh stability, but to refuse to abandon repose for war is not so sure a method of avoiding danger. We must believe that the tyrant city that has been established in Hellas has been established against all alike, with a programme of universal empire, part fulfilled, part in contemplation; let us then attack and reduce it, and win future security for ourselves and freedom for the Hellenes who are now enslaved.”
Such were the words of the Corinthians. The Lacedaemonians, having now heard all, give their opinion, took the vote of all the allied states present in order, great and small alike; and the majority voted for war. This decided, it was still impossible for them to commence at once, from their want of preparation; but it was resolved that the means requisite were to be procured by the different states, and that there was to be no delay. And indeed, in spite of the time occupied with the necessary arrangements, less than a year elapsed before Attica was invaded, and the war openly begun.
Modern Translation
Your position, therefore, from whatever perspective you examine it, will fully justify your decision to go to war. We recommend this course of action in the interests of all, remembering that shared interests form the strongest bonds, whether between nations or individuals. Do not delay in helping Potidaea—a Dorian city now under siege by Ionians, which completely reverses the natural order—nor in securing the freedom of other cities. We cannot afford to wait any longer, since delay means certain catastrophe for some of us immediately, and if others learn that we have deliberated without daring to defend ourselves, similar disaster will soon befall the rest. Do not hesitate, fellow allies, but recognizing both the urgency of this crisis and the wisdom of our advice, vote for war. Do not be deterred by its immediate dangers, but look forward to the lasting peace that will follow. Peace emerges more secure from war, but clinging to comfort while refusing to fight offers no guarantee of safety. We must recognize that the tyrant city established in Greece threatens everyone equally, with ambitions for universal domination—some already achieved, others still planned. Let us therefore attack and defeat it, securing our own future safety and liberating those Greeks who now live in slavery.
Thus spoke the Corinthians. The Spartans, having heard all opinions and taken votes from every allied state present, both large and small, saw the majority decide for war. Despite this decision, they could not begin immediately due to lack of preparation. They resolved that each state should gather necessary resources without delay. Indeed, despite the time needed for preparations, less than a year passed before they invaded Attica and war officially began.
Historical Context
This passage captures the climactic moment of the debate at Sparta in 432 BCE, where the Peloponnesian League allies vote for war against Athens. The Corinthians conclude their speech urging immediate action against what they characterize as Athenian tyranny. They frame the conflict as a moral imperative—defending Greek freedom against enslavement—while acknowledging the reversal represented by Ionians (Athens) besieging Dorians (Potidaea). The subsequent vote marks the formal decision for war, though practical preparations delay hostilities. This scene represents the culmination of growing tensions between Athens and Sparta, transforming long-standing rivalry into open conflict that would devastate Greece for nearly three decades.
Key Themes
Annotations & References
Potidaea Siege
Potidaea was a Corinthian colony that paid tribute to Athens but revolted in 432 BCE. The siege became a flashpoint for war as it involved both Athenian imperial interests and Corinthian colonial ties, exemplifying the complex web of alliances that triggered the conflict.
Learn more →Dorian vs Ionian Identity
The Greek world was broadly divided between Dorian peoples (including Sparta and Corinth) and Ionians (including Athens). These ethnic identities often aligned with political alliances, though the distinction was sometimes more rhetorical than real, used to justify political positions.
Learn more →Athenian Empire
By 432 BCE, Athens had transformed the Delian League from a defensive alliance into an empire, controlling over 200 cities. The Corinthians' reference to Athens as a 'tyrant city' reflects widespread resentment of Athenian power and the forced tribute system.
Learn more →Spartan Decision-Making
The Spartan alliance system required consultation with allies before major decisions. This democratic element within the oligarchic Spartan system contrasts with Athens' more unilateral imperial decision-making, though both systems had their limitations.
Learn more →Parallel Ancient Sources
Plutarch: Life of Pericles (29-31)
Plutarch describes the Megarian Decree and escalating tensions leading to war, providing Athenian perspective on these same events and Pericles' role in refusing compromise.
Read passage →Diodorus Siculus: Library of History (12.39-40)
Offers an alternative account of the war's origins, emphasizing economic factors and providing different details about the Spartan debate and vote for war.
Read passage →Aristophanes: Acharnians (lines 515-539)
Comic playwright's satirical take on war's causes, blaming it on personal disputes and the Megarian Decree, offering contemporary Athenian popular perspective on these events.
Read passage →Discussion Questions
- How does the Corinthian characterization of Athens as a 'tyrant city' shape the moral framing of the conflict? Is this justified?
- What role does ethnic identity (Dorian vs. Ionian) play in the speaker's argument, and how might this resonate with the audience?
- The speaker argues that 'out of war peace gains fresh stability.' How does this paradox reflect Greek thinking about conflict and order?
- Compare the decision-making process described here with modern democratic or international procedures. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?