Chapter LVI

FROM THE FESTIVAL OF OLYMPIAD 90, DOWN TO THE BATTLE OF
MANTINEIA.

New policy of Athens, attempted by Alkibiadês.—Expedition
of Alkibiadês into the interior of Peloponnesus.—Attack
upon Epidaurus by Argos and Athens.—Movements of the
Spartans and Argeians.—The sacred month Karneius—trick
played by the Argeians with their calendar—Congress
at Mantineia for peace—the discussions prove
abortive.—Athenian lordship of the sea—the alliance between
Athens and Sparta continues in name, but is indirectly
violated by both.—Invasion of Argos by Agis and the
Lacedæmonians, Bœotians, and Corinthians.—Approach of the
invaders to Argos by different lines of march.—Superior
forces and advantageous position of the invaders—danger
of Argos—Agis takes upon him to grant an armistice to
the Argeians, and withdraws the army—dissatisfaction of
the allies.—Severe censure against Agis on his return
to Sparta.—Tardy arrival of Alkibiadês, Lachês, etc.,
with the Athenian contingent at Argos—expedition of
Athenians, Eleians, Mantineians, and Argeians, against
the Arcadian town of Orchomenus.—Plans against Tegea—the
Eleians return home.—Danger of Tegea—Agis and the
Lacedæmonians march to its relief.—Manœuvres of Agis
to bring on a battle on fair ground.—Forward march
and new position of the Argeians.—The Lacedæmonians
are surprised: their sudden and ready formation into
battle order.—Gradation of command and responsibility
peculiar to the Lacedæmonian army.—Lacedæmonian line:
privileged post of the Skiritæ on the left.—Uncertain
numbers of both armies.—Preliminary harangues to the
soldiers.—Battle of Mantineia.—Movement ordered by Agis,
on the instant before the battle; his order disobeyed.
His left wing is defeated.—Complete ultimate victory
of the Lacedæmonians.—Great effects of the victory in
reëstablishing the reputation of Sparta.—Operations
of Argeians, Eleians, etc., near Epidaurus.—Political
change at Argos, arising out of the battle of
Mantineia.—Oligarchical conspiracy of the Thousand-regiment
at Argos, in concert with the Lacedæmonians.—Treaty of
peace between Sparta and Argos.—Treaty of alliance between
Sparta and Argos—dissolution of the alliance of Argos with
Athens, Mantineia, and Elis.—Submission of Mantineia to
Sparta.—Oligarchical revolution effected at Argos by the
Thousand, in concert with the Lacedæmonians.—Oligarchy in
Sikyôn and the towns in Achaia.—Violences of the Thousand
at Argos: counter-revolution in that town: restoration of
the democracy.—Proceedings of the restored Argeian Demos:
tardiness of Sparta.—Alkibiadês at Argos: measures for the
protection of the democracy.—Nominal peace, but precarious
relations, between Athens and Sparta.—Relations of Athens
with Perdikkas of Macedonia.—Negligence of Athens about
Amphipolis: improvidence of Nikias and the peace-party:
adventurous speculations of Alkibiadês.—Projected
contention of ostracism between Nikias and Alkibiadês.
Proposition supported by Hyperbolus.—Gradual desuetude of
the ostracism, as the democracy became assured.—Siege of
Mêlos by the Athenians.—Dialogue set forth by Thucydidês,
between the Athenian envoys and the Executive Council
of Mêlos.—Language represented by Thucydidês as having
been held by the Athenian envoys—with the replies of
the Melians.—Refusal of the Melians to submit.—Siege and
capture of Mêlos.—Remarks upon the event.—View taken by
Thucydidês of this incident.—Place which it occupies in the
general historical conception of Thucydidês. 61-118