Melian

Melian was a prominent figure during the Peloponnesian War, serving as the queen of Melos and an influential diplomat of her city. She is best known for her bold, pragmatic stance during Athens' siege of Melos in 416 BCE, where she argued that might makes right—accepting Athenian dominance rather than resisting. Her speeches highlight the harsh realities of power politics in ancient Greece, emphasizing that smaller states often have limited options when confronting larger, more powerful neighbors. Melian's story exemplifies themes of realpolitik, power dynamics, and the moral considerations in political decision-making.