I have never been more impressed by an author as much as by, Thucydides. In my long life, everything he has said, I have seen.
@polystrophicmusic
2 жыл бұрын
This why I subscribed. I'm always impressed by how the Ancients understood humanity so well, without the advantage of the social sciences. I look forward to the next installment.
@jimmyfaulkner1855
Жыл бұрын
Great video. I have recently been reading Thucydides’ classic work “History of the Peloponnesian War.” I can understand why this has been a classic for so long and helps illuminate the historical events that took place and is also useful when it comes to political philosophy and political theory. I am new to this work though and there was one passage that really stuck out to me. It is from the fourth book, chapter 50: “The next winter, Aristides, the son of Archippus, one of the commanders of a fleet which the Athenians had sent out to gather tribute from their confederates, apprehended Artaphernes, a Persian, in the town of Eion upon the river Strymon, going from the king to Lacedaemon. When he was brought to Athens, the Athenians translated his letters out of the Assyrian language into Greek and read them; wherein, amongst many other things that were written to the Lacedaemonians, the principal was this: that he knew not what they meant, for many ambassadors came, but they spake not the same thing; if therefore they had anything to say certain, they should send somebody to him with this Persian. The Athenians afterwards sent back Artaphernes in a galley to Ephesus, and ambassadors with him, who heard there of the death of King Artaxerxes, son of Xerxes, which took place about that time, and so returned home.” - Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War 4.50 This passage sounds very fascinating, but I do not fully understand since I am not fully aware or knowledgable about the exact historical content and historical context behind it. I was therefore wondering what is the significance of this passage from Thucydides? Thanks.
@maurinacademy
Жыл бұрын
The attempts of the Spartans to contact Ataxerxes and for Artaxerxes to influence the Peloponnesian War to strike a blow against Athens were hindered by poor communication. So Artaxerxes asked for the Spartans to actually send competent humans to discuss how he could help. But then Artaxerxes died. Now that didn't ultimately stop the Persians from being an important factor in the eventual defeat of Athens, but it shows the ineptitude of the Spartans. Thucydides seems to be annoyed with the Spartans character in several respects. They are too superstitious, and in some ways not ambitious or as strategic as they should be. I think here you see him pointing out their ineptitude in trying to engage the Persians.
@jackspurlock9201
2 жыл бұрын
I actually didn't remember Thucydides' prehistory being so astute. Also, this is making me want finally to get into the Victor Davis Hanson books sitting on my shelf.
@philiphewett2803
2 жыл бұрын
a really intersting presentation, looking forward to the next part..thanks
@numbersix8919
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Looking forward to the next part.
@jimmyfaulkner1855
Жыл бұрын
Herodotus and Thucydides are both really good. This passage from Herodotus’ The Histories 8.68 (tr. Godley) always stands out to me: “And I say to you this: spare your ships, and do not fight at sea. Their men are as much stronger than your men by sea as men are stronger than women. Why is it so necessary for you to risk everything by fighting at sea? Do you not possess Athens, for which you set out on this march, and do you not have the rest of Hellas? No one stands in your way. Those who opposed you have received what they deserved. I will tell you how I think the affairs of your enemies will turn out: If vou do not hurry to hght at sea, but keep your ships here and stay near land, or even advance into the Peloponnese, then, my lord, you will easily accomplish what you had in mind on coming here. The Hellenes are not able to hold out against you for a long time, but you will scatter them, and they will each flee to their own cities. I have learned that they have no food on this island, and it is not likely, if you lead your army against the Peloponnese, that those of them who have come from there will sit still, nor will they care to fight at sea for Athens. But if you hurry to fight at sea immediately, I fear that your fleet if reduced to cowardice may also injure your army on land. In addition, my King, take this to heart: Good people's slaves tend to be base, and the slaves of the base tend to be good. You, who are best among men, have base slaves, who are accounted your allies, the Egyptians and Cyprians and Cilicians and Pamphylians, who are of no use at all.” What do you think is the true significance and legacy of Artemisia I of Caria as expressed in this passage by Herodotus? I ask because it seems bizarre that a Greek on the opposite side in the war would give her so much praise in his work.
@anon2034
2 жыл бұрын
Succinct. Knew it before, but a good refresh. Thanks! In Zbigniew Brzezinski's work you will read the statement that: Russia with Ukraine is an empire. Russia without Ukraine is not. He called Ukraine a pivot (the Koreas too). Will you review Bronze Age Mindset by BAP?
@f0xylady100
2 жыл бұрын
This is wonderful. Thank you.
@JB-gw8ee
2 жыл бұрын
Seems that Thucidides is just as relevant as ever these days.
@robertflury3349
2 жыл бұрын
Timely
@newcures7813
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@brymtb
2 жыл бұрын
...delightful...we need more...with a Roganist time frame (much much longer) 😎
@maurinacademy
2 жыл бұрын
I've started a series on the History of the Peloponnesian War, but that is probably not exactly what you're wanting. I definitely could do a series on classical international relations realism--I just need to find the right time. I'm so deep into several projects now that I can't devote the time it would take to do it right. But, I do have it on the back burner.
@brymtb
2 жыл бұрын
@@maurinacademy actually Peloponnesian War works 😎....as an appetizer
@gabrielnemirovsky421
2 жыл бұрын
Great lecture. I love your content. What copy of Thucydides are you reading?
@maurinacademy
2 жыл бұрын
I'm using the Crawley translation. I'm using an old edition for this because I seem to have loaned my Landmark Thucydides. However, I'd recommend The Landmark Thucydides, which uses the Crawley translation along with very useful scholarly annotations.
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