Category Archives for Commentary

Paul Cartledge comments on when Thucydides wrote his History

The standard current view is that Thucydides did what he says he did – started writing up, not just taking notes, from the late 430s on, i.e. probably before war actually broke out in spring 431. But it was only after his exile in 424 that he coul… Continue reading

27. May 2009 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

When did Thucydides write his History?

We didn’t get to one of Dan Gabree’s questions on the last call. I wouldn’t mind addressing it on our next call next month. Here is the essence of Dan’s inquiry: But the one other thing that came up for me was a question of when T wrote this histo… Continue reading

20. May 2009 by Arrian
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Thucydides Book 7 preliminary comments

These ARE indeed a fantastic way to prepare for tonights discussion. I, too, side with Paul’s observations of Nicias, although this chapter was written in such a way as to make it impossible not to feel the pain that the Athenians were going throu… Continue reading

05. May 2009 by Arrian
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Headlines from the Peloponnesian War – Book 3

Dear fellow Thucydides readers,Here are my notes in outline form for Book 3. Feel free to use them to organize your thoughts as you move through your reading. Thucydides does not jump around too much in this book from theater to theater. My outlin… Continue reading

20. January 2009 by Arrian
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Strategy? Victory?

Thucydidites,From the very beginning of this conflict I listed the strengths of each Sparta and Athens. I was trying to figure out what overarching strategy could be deployed to each side’s advantage, and I was wondering how each side would try to… Continue reading

13. January 2009 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

Pericles Speech

I had a really great time on the call today folks. I’m really enjoying everyone’s perspectives and insights.I mentioned that I broke Pericles’ speech into its basic elements and I know somebody else mentioned they did the same thing so I thought I… Continue reading

06. January 2009 by Arrian
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Some random thoughts.

It is sometimes interesting to go outside after these calls and look to the sky (“The same sky they saw.” as Andre pointed out to us a while back) and try to imagine what Pericles actually did think about before he gave that 2nd speech in Book II…. Continue reading

06. January 2009 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

Thucydides Book 2 Outline

Dear fellow readers,I want to wish you a warm holiday season in this extremely cold weather (yes, it is even cold here in Texas!). I am looking forward to our next call on Monday Jan 5th. Till then enjoy the reading. I have included an outline of … Continue reading

23. December 2008 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

Thucydides in the Movies?

Hello everyone,It was fun to rent a movie during my Herodotus reading when someone mentioned that his book was part of the movie, “The English Patient.” I was wondering if you know of any movies that contain Thucydides?I believe I ran across one b… Continue reading

08. December 2008 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

Book I

Dear all,I have enjoyed reading all of the responses to reading Thucydides. It is a very inspirational book for Phil and me. I hope that your reading is continuing to be as enjoyable as mine is. I have been thinking much on how Thucydides wraps up… Continue reading

02. December 2008 by Arrian
Categories: Commentary, Thucydides | Tags: , | 1 comment

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