History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides discusses Sicily’s history and Athens’ reasons for wanting to conquer it, which is due to treasure the Athenians have been told will be available to them. The same year the Athenians embark on the Sicilian Expedition (415), the Spartans attack Argive territory, and the Athenians intervene on Argos’ behalf.   

Athens debatessending an expedition to conquer Sicily, in order to expand its territory and influence. Nicias opposes sending the expedition, but most are eager to launch it, Alcibiades in particular. Both Alcibiades and Nicias address the assembly, revealing their personal animosities in the process. After the expedition is approved, hermae(religious statues) throughout the city are disfigured, which the people read as a bad omen for the expedition. Alcibiades’ enemies accuse him of responsibility, but he is nevertheless approved to sail with the Athenian fleet to Sicily. Thucydides records the grandeur of and optimism at the expedition’s launch from Athens.

Reports of Athens’ expedition reach the Syracusans. Hermocrates enumerates Athens’ challenges, comparing them to the Persian invasion of Greece. He urges calm and confidence but also preparation and courage. Athenagoras of Syracuse questions the accuracy of Hermocrates’ reports, along with his judgment.