The History of the Peloponnesian War

"The History of the Peloponnesian War," written by historian Thucydides, chronicles the conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE. This war arose from power struggles and differing political systems, with Athens leading a naval empire and Sparta heading a land-based alliance. Thucydides provides a detailed, pragmatic account of military events, strategies, and the impact of war on society. His work is notable for its analytical approach to history, emphasizing the role of human nature and realism, and remains a foundational text in both history and political theory.