Zena Hitz
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199644384
- eISBN:
- 9780191743344
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199644384.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
It is widely agreed that Aristotle holds that the best moral education involves habituation in the proper pleasures of virtuous action. But it is rarely acknowledged that Aristotle repeatedly ...
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It is widely agreed that Aristotle holds that the best moral education involves habituation in the proper pleasures of virtuous action. But it is rarely acknowledged that Aristotle repeatedly emphasizes the social and political sources of good habits, and strongly suggests that the correct law‐ordained education in proper pleasures is very rare or non‐existent. A careful look at the Nicomachean Ethics along with parallel discussions in the Eudemian Ethics and Politics suggests that Aristotle divided public moral education or law‐ordained habituation into two types. One type is a defective form practiced by the Spartans, producing civic courage and similar defective virtue‐like states motivated by external incentives. By contrast Aristotle endorses the law‐ordained musical education described in Politics 8. The chapter argues that Aristotle considers the well‐habituated state of proper pleasures in virtue to be best cultivated by this kind of musical education; and that this explains both his emphasis on good laws and on their scarcity.Less
It is widely agreed that Aristotle holds that the best moral education involves habituation in the proper pleasures of virtuous action. But it is rarely acknowledged that Aristotle repeatedly emphasizes the social and political sources of good habits, and strongly suggests that the correct law‐ordained education in proper pleasures is very rare or non‐existent. A careful look at the Nicomachean Ethics along with parallel discussions in the Eudemian Ethics and Politics suggests that Aristotle divided public moral education or law‐ordained habituation into two types. One type is a defective form practiced by the Spartans, producing civic courage and similar defective virtue‐like states motivated by external incentives. By contrast Aristotle endorses the law‐ordained musical education described in Politics 8. The chapter argues that Aristotle considers the well‐habituated state of proper pleasures in virtue to be best cultivated by this kind of musical education; and that this explains both his emphasis on good laws and on their scarcity.
Elizabeth Irwin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199546510
- eISBN:
- 9780191594922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199546510.003.0011
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Poetry and Poets: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter focuses on two dimensions of Herodotus' Aeginetan logoi: primarily, in terms of what they attempt to convey about Aeginetan identity prior to and during the Persian Wars; secondarily, in ...
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This chapter focuses on two dimensions of Herodotus' Aeginetan logoi: primarily, in terms of what they attempt to convey about Aeginetan identity prior to and during the Persian Wars; secondarily, in terms of the meta-narrative they construct regarding themes relevant to the subsequent history of Aegina: how her cultural, political, and economic identity contributed to the events which befell her later, especially at the hands of Athens. Herodotus' logoi explore the complexity of Aegina's position, literal and metaphorical, as a Dorian polis with a long-established maritime economy, whose geographical position in the centre of the Saronic Gulf symbolizes the complexities of her situation within the political realities of the later fifth century and the cultural categories and political alliances that came to be dominant in framing them. Here the focus is Aegina's relationship to Sparta and the Peloponnese.Less
This chapter focuses on two dimensions of Herodotus' Aeginetan logoi: primarily, in terms of what they attempt to convey about Aeginetan identity prior to and during the Persian Wars; secondarily, in terms of the meta-narrative they construct regarding themes relevant to the subsequent history of Aegina: how her cultural, political, and economic identity contributed to the events which befell her later, especially at the hands of Athens. Herodotus' logoi explore the complexity of Aegina's position, literal and metaphorical, as a Dorian polis with a long-established maritime economy, whose geographical position in the centre of the Saronic Gulf symbolizes the complexities of her situation within the political realities of the later fifth century and the cultural categories and political alliances that came to be dominant in framing them. Here the focus is Aegina's relationship to Sparta and the Peloponnese.
Sian Lewis
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748621255
- eISBN:
- 9780748651047
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748621255.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
Tyrants and tyranny are more than the antithesis of democracy and the mark of political failure: they are a dynamic response to social and political pressures. This book examines the autocratic ...
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Tyrants and tyranny are more than the antithesis of democracy and the mark of political failure: they are a dynamic response to social and political pressures. This book examines the autocratic rulers and dynasties of classical Greece and Rome and the changing concepts of tyranny in political thought and culture. It brings together historians, political theorists and philosophers, all offering new perspectives on the autocratic governments of the ancient world. The volume is divided into four parts. It looks at the ways in which the term ‘tyranny’ was used and understood, and the kinds of individual who were called tyrants. The book then focuses on the genesis of tyranny and the social and political circumstances in which tyrants arose. The chapters in the final part of the book examine the presentation of tyrants by themselves and in literature and history. Part IV discusses the achievements of episodic tyranny within the non-autocratic regimes of Sparta and Rome and of autocratic regimes in Persia and the western Mediterranean world. Written by a wide range of leading experts in their field, this book offers a new and comparative study of tyranny within Greek, Roman, and Persian society.Less
Tyrants and tyranny are more than the antithesis of democracy and the mark of political failure: they are a dynamic response to social and political pressures. This book examines the autocratic rulers and dynasties of classical Greece and Rome and the changing concepts of tyranny in political thought and culture. It brings together historians, political theorists and philosophers, all offering new perspectives on the autocratic governments of the ancient world. The volume is divided into four parts. It looks at the ways in which the term ‘tyranny’ was used and understood, and the kinds of individual who were called tyrants. The book then focuses on the genesis of tyranny and the social and political circumstances in which tyrants arose. The chapters in the final part of the book examine the presentation of tyrants by themselves and in literature and history. Part IV discusses the achievements of episodic tyranny within the non-autocratic regimes of Sparta and Rome and of autocratic regimes in Persia and the western Mediterranean world. Written by a wide range of leading experts in their field, this book offers a new and comparative study of tyranny within Greek, Roman, and Persian society.
Lowell Edmunds
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691165127
- eISBN:
- 9781400874224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691165127.003.0005
- Subject:
- Literature, Folk Literature
This chapter reexamines the evidence for two cults of Helen, as part of a discussion into the origins of Helen and her myth outside of her narrative. Some scholars have posited that Helen, before ...
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This chapter reexamines the evidence for two cults of Helen, as part of a discussion into the origins of Helen and her myth outside of her narrative. Some scholars have posited that Helen, before becoming humanized into a heroine in Homer's epic, had originated as a goddess, and is thus hypostatized as an essential or real being who exists before and outside of myth and poetry and somehow enters the extant sources. To make matters more obscure, there are two such goddesses—two hypostases. In one, Helen is the avatar of an Indo-European goddess, who is also reflected in certain goddesses in the Rig Veda. In the other hypostasis, Helen is a goddess of cult.Less
This chapter reexamines the evidence for two cults of Helen, as part of a discussion into the origins of Helen and her myth outside of her narrative. Some scholars have posited that Helen, before becoming humanized into a heroine in Homer's epic, had originated as a goddess, and is thus hypostatized as an essential or real being who exists before and outside of myth and poetry and somehow enters the extant sources. To make matters more obscure, there are two such goddesses—two hypostases. In one, Helen is the avatar of an Indo-European goddess, who is also reflected in certain goddesses in the Rig Veda. In the other hypostasis, Helen is a goddess of cult.
Alan H. Sommerstein
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199554195
- eISBN:
- 9780191720604
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199554195.003.0012
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Plays and Playwrights: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter argues that neither Aristophanes, nor his creation Lysistrata, can reasonably be regarded as a pacifist, or even as an unconditional advocate of ending the current war against Sparta. ...
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This chapter argues that neither Aristophanes, nor his creation Lysistrata, can reasonably be regarded as a pacifist, or even as an unconditional advocate of ending the current war against Sparta. Lysistrata herself uses violence and the infliction of pain to achieve her ends; every reference made by her or her supporters to wars against enemies other than Sparta is a favourable one (as is typical of Aristophanes); and the peace terms she makes with Sparta would have been utterly, and obviously, unattainable for a democratic Athens in early 411 bc, as is virtually admitted within the play itself. The play transports the audience into a dream world where, with divine aid, the impossible is achieved. There is no sign, here or elsewhere, that Aristophanes would have accepted, let alone advocated, any peace that did not leave Athens free to maintain her empire.Less
This chapter argues that neither Aristophanes, nor his creation Lysistrata, can reasonably be regarded as a pacifist, or even as an unconditional advocate of ending the current war against Sparta. Lysistrata herself uses violence and the infliction of pain to achieve her ends; every reference made by her or her supporters to wars against enemies other than Sparta is a favourable one (as is typical of Aristophanes); and the peace terms she makes with Sparta would have been utterly, and obviously, unattainable for a democratic Athens in early 411 bc, as is virtually admitted within the play itself. The play transports the audience into a dream world where, with divine aid, the impossible is achieved. There is no sign, here or elsewhere, that Aristophanes would have accepted, let alone advocated, any peace that did not leave Athens free to maintain her empire.
Stephen Ruzicka
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199766628
- eISBN:
- 9780199932719
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199766628.003.0007
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE, World History: BCE to 500CE
Conon's capture of an Egyptian grain fleet headed to Rhodes revealed Egyptian-Spartan collusion, which raised the specter of Egyptian-sponsored Spartan enterprise in the eastern Mediterranean aimed ...
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Conon's capture of an Egyptian grain fleet headed to Rhodes revealed Egyptian-Spartan collusion, which raised the specter of Egyptian-sponsored Spartan enterprise in the eastern Mediterranean aimed at disrupting Persian campaign preparations against Egypt. This prompted reinforcement of Conon's guard fleet and anti-Spartan Persian diplomatic initiative in Greece. Conon persuaded Artaxerxes to undertake more aggressive action in 394, which led first to encounter with and defeat of the Spartan fleet near Cnidus and then to Persian recovery of Asian Greek and Aegean cities and to Persian operations in the Peloponnesus, installation of a Persian guard force on Cythera off the Peloponnesian coast, subsidies of Athens and Corinth's opposition to Spartan, and restoration of Athens’ fleet. Spartan efforts at a negotiated settlement failed in 392.Less
Conon's capture of an Egyptian grain fleet headed to Rhodes revealed Egyptian-Spartan collusion, which raised the specter of Egyptian-sponsored Spartan enterprise in the eastern Mediterranean aimed at disrupting Persian campaign preparations against Egypt. This prompted reinforcement of Conon's guard fleet and anti-Spartan Persian diplomatic initiative in Greece. Conon persuaded Artaxerxes to undertake more aggressive action in 394, which led first to encounter with and defeat of the Spartan fleet near Cnidus and then to Persian recovery of Asian Greek and Aegean cities and to Persian operations in the Peloponnesus, installation of a Persian guard force on Cythera off the Peloponnesian coast, subsidies of Athens and Corinth's opposition to Spartan, and restoration of Athens’ fleet. Spartan efforts at a negotiated settlement failed in 392.
Stephen Ruzicka
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199766628
- eISBN:
- 9780199932719
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199766628.003.0009
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE, World History: BCE to 500CE
From the Persian perspective, the situation in Egypt and in the Aegean deteriorated during 388 as Acoris regained sole power and thus freedom of movement and as both Athens and Sparta were engaged in ...
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From the Persian perspective, the situation in Egypt and in the Aegean deteriorated during 388 as Acoris regained sole power and thus freedom of movement and as both Athens and Sparta were engaged in territorial aggrandizement and, in need of additional resources, might be drawn into cooperation with Egypt in return for subsidies. Such concerns explain Artaxerxes’ adoption of a pro-Spartan stance, his peace with Sparta, and his determination to impose a common peace on the Greek world. To gain leverage, the Athenians operated aggressively, sending a force to campaign with Evagoras on Cyprus. Though Persian-Spartan control of the Hellespont and the Black Sea–Aegean grain route compelled Athenian assent to peace terms, the ensuing King's Peace granted the Athenians exemptions from the prohibition against impinging on the autonomy of Greek states, which allowed them to hold on to important islands near the mouth of the Hellespont. The King's Peace represented a new Persian strategy to ensure there would be no mainland Greek support for Egypt.Less
From the Persian perspective, the situation in Egypt and in the Aegean deteriorated during 388 as Acoris regained sole power and thus freedom of movement and as both Athens and Sparta were engaged in territorial aggrandizement and, in need of additional resources, might be drawn into cooperation with Egypt in return for subsidies. Such concerns explain Artaxerxes’ adoption of a pro-Spartan stance, his peace with Sparta, and his determination to impose a common peace on the Greek world. To gain leverage, the Athenians operated aggressively, sending a force to campaign with Evagoras on Cyprus. Though Persian-Spartan control of the Hellespont and the Black Sea–Aegean grain route compelled Athenian assent to peace terms, the ensuing King's Peace granted the Athenians exemptions from the prohibition against impinging on the autonomy of Greek states, which allowed them to hold on to important islands near the mouth of the Hellespont. The King's Peace represented a new Persian strategy to ensure there would be no mainland Greek support for Egypt.
DE STE CROIX
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199255177
- eISBN:
- 9780191719844
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199255177.003.0012
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
In 1972, Ste. Croix wrote that he knew of no satisfactory discussion of Spartan foreign policy in the reign of Cleomenes (OPW 167 n. 1). This essay, presented as a lecture, set out to fill this gap. ...
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In 1972, Ste. Croix wrote that he knew of no satisfactory discussion of Spartan foreign policy in the reign of Cleomenes (OPW 167 n. 1). This essay, presented as a lecture, set out to fill this gap. It provides an outline narrative of the main events of the reign of Cleomenes.Less
In 1972, Ste. Croix wrote that he knew of no satisfactory discussion of Spartan foreign policy in the reign of Cleomenes (OPW 167 n. 1). This essay, presented as a lecture, set out to fill this gap. It provides an outline narrative of the main events of the reign of Cleomenes.
Simon Hornblower
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199249190
- eISBN:
- 9780191719424
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199249190.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter examines parallels and similarities between Pindar and Thucydides in the area of colonical myth. Topics covered include the afterlife, immortality, personified abstractions, women, ...
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This chapter examines parallels and similarities between Pindar and Thucydides in the area of colonical myth. Topics covered include the afterlife, immortality, personified abstractions, women, Dorieus of Sparta, and the ‘lost clod of earth’, myths as ways of rejecting or upstaging historical claims, kinship diplomacy, mixed colonial realities, and myths of possession.Less
This chapter examines parallels and similarities between Pindar and Thucydides in the area of colonical myth. Topics covered include the afterlife, immortality, personified abstractions, women, Dorieus of Sparta, and the ‘lost clod of earth’, myths as ways of rejecting or upstaging historical claims, kinship diplomacy, mixed colonial realities, and myths of possession.
Simon Hornblower
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199249190
- eISBN:
- 9780191719424
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199249190.003.0005
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter examines overlaps and differences between the treatment of particular individuals (including families), cities, and places in Thucydides and Pindar. It is organized geographically, ...
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This chapter examines overlaps and differences between the treatment of particular individuals (including families), cities, and places in Thucydides and Pindar. It is organized geographically, covering individuals and places other than Aigina, Sparta, Kyrene, and Athens and individuals and places in Aigina, Sparta, Kyrene, and Athens. It is shown that the men Pindar wrote for Thucydides talked to. Politics and panhellenic kudos-conferring games are also discussed.Less
This chapter examines overlaps and differences between the treatment of particular individuals (including families), cities, and places in Thucydides and Pindar. It is organized geographically, covering individuals and places other than Aigina, Sparta, Kyrene, and Athens and individuals and places in Aigina, Sparta, Kyrene, and Athens. It is shown that the men Pindar wrote for Thucydides talked to. Politics and panhellenic kudos-conferring games are also discussed.
Mary P. Nichols
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801453168
- eISBN:
- 9780801455582
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801453168.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This book argues for the centrality of the idea of freedom in Thucydides's thought. Through a close reading of his History of the Peloponnesian War, the book explores the manifestations of this ...
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This book argues for the centrality of the idea of freedom in Thucydides's thought. Through a close reading of his History of the Peloponnesian War, the book explores the manifestations of this theme. Cities and individuals in Thucydides's history take freedom as their goal, whether they claim to possess it and want to maintain it or whether they desire to attain it for themselves or others. Freedom is the goal of both antagonists in the Peloponnesian War, Sparta and Athens, although in different ways. One of the fullest expressions of freedom can be seen in the rhetoric of Thucydides's Pericles, especially in his famous funeral oration. More than simply documenting the struggle for freedom, however, Thucydides himself is taking freedom as his cause. On the one hand, he demonstrates that freedom makes possible human excellence, including courage, self-restraint, deliberation, and judgment, which support freedom in turn. On the other hand, the pursuit of freedom, in one's own regime and in the world at large, clashes with interests and material necessity, and indeed the very passions required for its support. Thucydides's work, which he himself considered a possession for all time, therefore speaks very much to our time, encouraging the defense of freedom while warning of the limits and dangers in doing so.Less
This book argues for the centrality of the idea of freedom in Thucydides's thought. Through a close reading of his History of the Peloponnesian War, the book explores the manifestations of this theme. Cities and individuals in Thucydides's history take freedom as their goal, whether they claim to possess it and want to maintain it or whether they desire to attain it for themselves or others. Freedom is the goal of both antagonists in the Peloponnesian War, Sparta and Athens, although in different ways. One of the fullest expressions of freedom can be seen in the rhetoric of Thucydides's Pericles, especially in his famous funeral oration. More than simply documenting the struggle for freedom, however, Thucydides himself is taking freedom as his cause. On the one hand, he demonstrates that freedom makes possible human excellence, including courage, self-restraint, deliberation, and judgment, which support freedom in turn. On the other hand, the pursuit of freedom, in one's own regime and in the world at large, clashes with interests and material necessity, and indeed the very passions required for its support. Thucydides's work, which he himself considered a possession for all time, therefore speaks very much to our time, encouraging the defense of freedom while warning of the limits and dangers in doing so.
Louis Rawlings
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- July 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780719056574
- eISBN:
- 9781781700839
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719056574.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This introductory chapter discusses the theme of this volume, which is about developments in warfare in Greece from the Late Bronze Age to the end of the classical period. It explains that it was ...
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This introductory chapter discusses the theme of this volume, which is about developments in warfare in Greece from the Late Bronze Age to the end of the classical period. It explains that it was usually the citizens who both assembled to take the decision to march out and armed themselves for the undertaking when city-state like Athens and Sparta went to war. This volume considers the role of religion, the nature of the economy and the relationship between the individual and his or her community, before, during and after wars.Less
This introductory chapter discusses the theme of this volume, which is about developments in warfare in Greece from the Late Bronze Age to the end of the classical period. It explains that it was usually the citizens who both assembled to take the decision to march out and armed themselves for the undertaking when city-state like Athens and Sparta went to war. This volume considers the role of religion, the nature of the economy and the relationship between the individual and his or her community, before, during and after wars.
Stephen Ruzicka
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199766628
- eISBN:
- 9780199932719
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199766628.003.0014
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE, World History: BCE to 500CE
From the beginning of Tachos’ coregency with his father Nectanebo in 365/4 on through the beginning of Tachos’ sole kingship by 362/1, we can trace the formation of plans for an Egyptian ...
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From the beginning of Tachos’ coregency with his father Nectanebo in 365/4 on through the beginning of Tachos’ sole kingship by 362/1, we can trace the formation of plans for an Egyptian counteroffensive aimed at exploiting Persian problems in the west growing out of the ongoing succession struggle. Tachos seems originally to have planned a campaign into the Levant by Greek mercenaries led by the Spartan king Agesilaus, but the further deterioration of Artaxerxes’ power in the west, marked by continuing defections by Persian officials, willingness on the part of various peoples to break from Persian control and side with Egypt, and the likelihood that Artaxerxes could not mount an effective response to Egyptian enterprise, prompted Tachos to move toward a grander scheme in which he himself would lead a great Egyptian force augmented by Greek mercenaries on a campaign aimed at seizing control once and for all of the middle territory and detaching all of the eastern Mediterranean/Anatolian world from Persian control. On this interpretation, the so-called Great Satraps’ Revolt was really just a coalition of individual satraps encouraged and supported in rebellion by Tachos.Less
From the beginning of Tachos’ coregency with his father Nectanebo in 365/4 on through the beginning of Tachos’ sole kingship by 362/1, we can trace the formation of plans for an Egyptian counteroffensive aimed at exploiting Persian problems in the west growing out of the ongoing succession struggle. Tachos seems originally to have planned a campaign into the Levant by Greek mercenaries led by the Spartan king Agesilaus, but the further deterioration of Artaxerxes’ power in the west, marked by continuing defections by Persian officials, willingness on the part of various peoples to break from Persian control and side with Egypt, and the likelihood that Artaxerxes could not mount an effective response to Egyptian enterprise, prompted Tachos to move toward a grander scheme in which he himself would lead a great Egyptian force augmented by Greek mercenaries on a campaign aimed at seizing control once and for all of the middle territory and detaching all of the eastern Mediterranean/Anatolian world from Persian control. On this interpretation, the so-called Great Satraps’ Revolt was really just a coalition of individual satraps encouraged and supported in rebellion by Tachos.
Paul A. Rahe
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780300242614
- eISBN:
- 9780300249262
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300242614.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Military History
During the Persian Wars, Sparta and Athens worked in tandem to defeat what was, in terms of relative resources and power, the greatest empire in human history. For the decade and a half that ...
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During the Persian Wars, Sparta and Athens worked in tandem to defeat what was, in terms of relative resources and power, the greatest empire in human history. For the decade and a half that followed, they continued their collaboration until a rift opened and an intense, strategic rivalry began. This book examines the grounds for their alliance, the reasons for its eventual collapse, and the first stage in an enduring conflict that would wreak havoc on Greece for six decades. Throughout, the book argues that the alliance between Sparta and Athens and their eventual rivalry were extensions of their domestic policy and that the grand strategy each articulated in the wake of the Persian Wars and the conflict that arose in due course grew out of the opposed material interests and moral imperatives inherent in their different regimes.Less
During the Persian Wars, Sparta and Athens worked in tandem to defeat what was, in terms of relative resources and power, the greatest empire in human history. For the decade and a half that followed, they continued their collaboration until a rift opened and an intense, strategic rivalry began. This book examines the grounds for their alliance, the reasons for its eventual collapse, and the first stage in an enduring conflict that would wreak havoc on Greece for six decades. Throughout, the book argues that the alliance between Sparta and Athens and their eventual rivalry were extensions of their domestic policy and that the grand strategy each articulated in the wake of the Persian Wars and the conflict that arose in due course grew out of the opposed material interests and moral imperatives inherent in their different regimes.
Andres Rosler
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199251506
- eISBN:
- 9780191602306
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251509.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Aristotle’s philosophy of law does not make sense if read as a plea for, or as taking for granted, unconditional political obligation. To be sure, he subscribes to the view that some unjust laws are ...
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Aristotle’s philosophy of law does not make sense if read as a plea for, or as taking for granted, unconditional political obligation. To be sure, he subscribes to the view that some unjust laws are to be put up with in the face of the consequences of disobedience for the common good. But this should not prevent us from seeing that Aristotle does defend the view not only that government is limited but also that there is a right of resistance against oppression. Aristotle’s discussion of citizenship in terms of parts and wholes, Spartan constitutional law, and tyranny reveals that he is more than willing to acknowledge that, in some cases, the very failure of political authority in fulfilling its morally justified tasks releases citizens from their duty to obey the government.Less
Aristotle’s philosophy of law does not make sense if read as a plea for, or as taking for granted, unconditional political obligation. To be sure, he subscribes to the view that some unjust laws are to be put up with in the face of the consequences of disobedience for the common good. But this should not prevent us from seeing that Aristotle does defend the view not only that government is limited but also that there is a right of resistance against oppression. Aristotle’s discussion of citizenship in terms of parts and wholes, Spartan constitutional law, and tyranny reveals that he is more than willing to acknowledge that, in some cases, the very failure of political authority in fulfilling its morally justified tasks releases citizens from their duty to obey the government.
Vickie B. Sullivan
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780226482910
- eISBN:
- 9780226483078
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226483078.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws is famous for overtly associating despotism with Asia and the Middle East and not with Europe. A scholar on this basis might be inclined to term Montesquieu an ...
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Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws is famous for overtly associating despotism with Asia and the Middle East and not with Europe. A scholar on this basis might be inclined to term Montesquieu an Orientalist, one who gazes at exotic foreign cultures in order to exert control over these distant peoples in both thought and in reality. Sullivan argues, however, that Montesquieu’s great work, contrary to first impressions, actually implicates Europe itself with despotism. Specifically, the Frenchman reveals that many of Europe’s greatest philosophical and religious ideas are themselves despotic and have inspired cruel and violent practices on the continent and beyond. Indeed, when Montesquieu uses the formulation “idées despotiques” in the work, he refers to the deplorable punishments that such ideas inspire. In some cases, hoary philosophical authorities such as Plato and Aristotle articulate and advocate for such ideas. Remaining ensconced in revered sources, they can wait for centuries to be rediscovered and revived. In other cases, Christians have promulgated ideas that induce human beings to commit earthly outrages for the sake of heavenly salvation. More recently, Machiavelli and Hobbes have introduced terrifying abuses in their attempts to correct those of their predecessors. These despotic ideas possess both longevity and geographical range, and therefore remain a constant threat. Montesquieu seeks to foster in the readers of his masterwork a repugnance for these despotic ideas so that future generations might be relieved of their vicious influence.Less
Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws is famous for overtly associating despotism with Asia and the Middle East and not with Europe. A scholar on this basis might be inclined to term Montesquieu an Orientalist, one who gazes at exotic foreign cultures in order to exert control over these distant peoples in both thought and in reality. Sullivan argues, however, that Montesquieu’s great work, contrary to first impressions, actually implicates Europe itself with despotism. Specifically, the Frenchman reveals that many of Europe’s greatest philosophical and religious ideas are themselves despotic and have inspired cruel and violent practices on the continent and beyond. Indeed, when Montesquieu uses the formulation “idées despotiques” in the work, he refers to the deplorable punishments that such ideas inspire. In some cases, hoary philosophical authorities such as Plato and Aristotle articulate and advocate for such ideas. Remaining ensconced in revered sources, they can wait for centuries to be rediscovered and revived. In other cases, Christians have promulgated ideas that induce human beings to commit earthly outrages for the sake of heavenly salvation. More recently, Machiavelli and Hobbes have introduced terrifying abuses in their attempts to correct those of their predecessors. These despotic ideas possess both longevity and geographical range, and therefore remain a constant threat. Montesquieu seeks to foster in the readers of his masterwork a repugnance for these despotic ideas so that future generations might be relieved of their vicious influence.
Richard Stoneman
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780300180077
- eISBN:
- 9780300216042
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300180077.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This chapter focuses on Xerxes's assassination in 465 B.C. at the hands of Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard. Xerxes's authority at court had been weakened by his dalliance with his ...
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This chapter focuses on Xerxes's assassination in 465 B.C. at the hands of Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard. Xerxes's authority at court had been weakened by his dalliance with his niece while events in the west had taken a turn for the worse. Since the Persian withdrawal from Greece in 479, Sparta and Athens both went their own ways. Sparta emerged as the leading land power in Greece and Athens rapidly achieved dominance of the seas. This chapter begins with an overview of the careers of Pausanias and Themistocles and goes on to discuss Xerxes's last Greek campaign. It then considers historians' accounts of how Xerxes was murdered by Artabanus or Artapanus, the son of Artasyras, a Hyrcanian and an important adviser of Xerxes.Less
This chapter focuses on Xerxes's assassination in 465 B.C. at the hands of Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard. Xerxes's authority at court had been weakened by his dalliance with his niece while events in the west had taken a turn for the worse. Since the Persian withdrawal from Greece in 479, Sparta and Athens both went their own ways. Sparta emerged as the leading land power in Greece and Athens rapidly achieved dominance of the seas. This chapter begins with an overview of the careers of Pausanias and Themistocles and goes on to discuss Xerxes's last Greek campaign. It then considers historians' accounts of how Xerxes was murdered by Artabanus or Artapanus, the son of Artasyras, a Hyrcanian and an important adviser of Xerxes.
Paul Woodruff
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195304541
- eISBN:
- 9780199850747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195304541.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
The harmony of Athens and her neighbours, especially with opposing Sparta, has been reflected in various forms of literature such as Aesop's The Bundle of Sticks, the Woven Fabric, and as well as in ...
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The harmony of Athens and her neighbours, especially with opposing Sparta, has been reflected in various forms of literature such as Aesop's The Bundle of Sticks, the Woven Fabric, and as well as in music. History on the other hand tells otherwise and claims that the inspiration for these creative works were the tragedies of civil wars, tyranny, and imperial excess that occurred with and within Athens. Without harmony there is no unity which can be attained by accepting differences and forming democracy. This chapter depicts events that led to the First Democracy, particularly the relationship between Sparta and Athens and, in general, the civil wars.Less
The harmony of Athens and her neighbours, especially with opposing Sparta, has been reflected in various forms of literature such as Aesop's The Bundle of Sticks, the Woven Fabric, and as well as in music. History on the other hand tells otherwise and claims that the inspiration for these creative works were the tragedies of civil wars, tyranny, and imperial excess that occurred with and within Athens. Without harmony there is no unity which can be attained by accepting differences and forming democracy. This chapter depicts events that led to the First Democracy, particularly the relationship between Sparta and Athens and, in general, the civil wars.
Anna R. Stelow
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- September 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199685929
- eISBN:
- 9780191888731
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199685929.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, History of Art: pre-history, BCE to 500CE, ancient and classical, Byzantine, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
The figure of Menelaus has remained notably overlooked in scholarship on the major heroes and heroines of Homeric epic. This book studies the Homeric character through a multidisciplinary approach to ...
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The figure of Menelaus has remained notably overlooked in scholarship on the major heroes and heroines of Homeric epic. This book studies the Homeric character through a multidisciplinary approach to his depiction in archaic Greek poetry, art, and cult, providing a detailed analysis of ancient literary, visual, and material evidence. It first examines the portrayal of Menelaus in the Homeric poems as a unique ‘personality’ with an integral role to play in each narrative, as depicted through typical patterns of speech and action and through intertextual allusion. The book then explores his representation both in other poetry of the archaic period and also archaic art and local Sparta cult. Ultimately, Menelaus emerges as a unique and likeable character whose relationship with Helen was a popular theme in both epic poetry and vase painting, but one whose portrayal evinced a significant narrative range, with an array of continuities and differences in how he was represented by the Greeks, not only within the archaic period but also in comparison to classical Athens.Less
The figure of Menelaus has remained notably overlooked in scholarship on the major heroes and heroines of Homeric epic. This book studies the Homeric character through a multidisciplinary approach to his depiction in archaic Greek poetry, art, and cult, providing a detailed analysis of ancient literary, visual, and material evidence. It first examines the portrayal of Menelaus in the Homeric poems as a unique ‘personality’ with an integral role to play in each narrative, as depicted through typical patterns of speech and action and through intertextual allusion. The book then explores his representation both in other poetry of the archaic period and also archaic art and local Sparta cult. Ultimately, Menelaus emerges as a unique and likeable character whose relationship with Helen was a popular theme in both epic poetry and vase painting, but one whose portrayal evinced a significant narrative range, with an array of continuities and differences in how he was represented by the Greeks, not only within the archaic period but also in comparison to classical Athens.
Sviatoslav Dmitriev
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195375183
- eISBN:
- 9780199896721
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195375183.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, World History: BCE to 500CE
Chapter 1 details the origin and development of the slogan of freedom, focusing on the relationship between “freedom” and “autonomy,” the significance of the “autonomy clause” in the King’s Peace of ...
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Chapter 1 details the origin and development of the slogan of freedom, focusing on the relationship between “freedom” and “autonomy,” the significance of the “autonomy clause” in the King’s Peace of 386, and the meaning and uses of the phrase “common peace.” It shows that treaties of peace served the dual purpose of providing a framework for military alliances among the most powerful Greek cities (Athens, Sparta, Thebes) and of using the “autonomy clause” and the slogan of freedom to demolish rival military alliances, as if protecting the freedom and autonomy of their individual members. The inability of the King’s Peace and its subsequent incarnations in 375 and 371 to defend peace and freedom in Greece brought about the idea of a “common peace,” which offered protection only to those Greek cities that participated in the treaty of peace.Less
Chapter 1 details the origin and development of the slogan of freedom, focusing on the relationship between “freedom” and “autonomy,” the significance of the “autonomy clause” in the King’s Peace of 386, and the meaning and uses of the phrase “common peace.” It shows that treaties of peace served the dual purpose of providing a framework for military alliances among the most powerful Greek cities (Athens, Sparta, Thebes) and of using the “autonomy clause” and the slogan of freedom to demolish rival military alliances, as if protecting the freedom and autonomy of their individual members. The inability of the King’s Peace and its subsequent incarnations in 375 and 371 to defend peace and freedom in Greece brought about the idea of a “common peace,” which offered protection only to those Greek cities that participated in the treaty of peace.
