Thucydides is often regarded as one of the greatest historians of the ancient world for his analysis of the power struggle between Athens and Sparta in the fifth century BC. Yet his text on the Peloponnesian War might appear strange by modern standards since it combines narrative with an extensive use of speeches.

At the time, public speaking was rapidly advancing in importance and technical excellence, and oratory held a central part in Athenian society. Thucydides uses the speeches to provide his audience with an insight into the inner motives of political figures and to present the policies of of city-states.

In a single speech, he appears to condense all the reflections that he thinks are appropriate to a given situation. As such, it is highly important for us to try to gain an understanding of their position in his influential text.

This 5-week online course will explore Thucydides’ use of a select few speeches, their persuasive power, and his reflections on self-interest and morality of power. Themes such as the justification and defence of empire are echoed across several speeches, though the purpose of each and how we might best interpret them is indeed open to debate.

The recommended text is the Penguin translation: Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, trans. R. Warner, revised by M. I. Finley (London, 1972), ISBN 978-0140440393.

The class will meet on Zoom on Thursdays for 5 weeks from 18th April 2024 at 19:30-21:00 (GMT+1). Dates for this course are 18th April, 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May and 16th May 2024.

Tutor: Dr Kerry Phelan.