History of Greece, Volume 10 (of 12)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

51183

Title

History of Greece, Volume 10 (of 12)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Grote's tenth volume of his monumental history covers the transformative period in Greece following the Battle of Leuktra (371 B.C.). It details the collapse of Spartan hegemony, the rise of Theban power under Epaminondas, and Athens' ambitious but ultimately flawed attempts to reclaim lost territories. The narrative culminates in the dramatic siege of Syracuse, where the Syracusan tyrant Dionysius faces rebellion and the formidable Carthaginian threat, setting the stage for the eventual arrival of Timoleon.

Summary up to 500 words

In this pivotal volume of George Grote's *History of Greece*, the narrative captures the seismic geopolitical shifts occurring between 371 and 369 B.C., fundamentally altering the balance of power in the Greek world. The era is defined by the aftermath of the Theban victory at Leuktra, which precipitated the collapse of Spartan hegemony. Following this defeat, Sparta's dominance crumbled as its allies revolted, Laconia was invaded and laid waste, and new independent cities such as Messene and Megalopolis emerged to replace Spartan control. The Arcadian population was emancipated and organized into self-acting neighbors, while even the Skiritai, once Sparta's bravest auxiliaries, turned against her. Simultaneously, Athens underwent a dramatic transformation. Having previously renounced its colonial possessions and restricted its citizens to Attica, Athens suddenly revived its maritime ambitions. Driven by jealousy of Theban ascendency and the weakened state of Sparta, Athens began reclaiming lost territories like Amphipolis and Potidaea. However, this renewed aggression proved disastrous; Athens misemployed its naval force and lacked the military vigor to defend these claims, leaving the way open for the rising Macedonian power of Philip II. The volume then shifts focus to Sicily, where the narrative centers on the prolonged and complex siege of Syracuse by the Carthaginian general Imilkon. Grote vividly depicts the strategic challenges faced by the besiegers, who constructed extensive fortifications and blockaded the harbor, and the resilience of the Syracusans under their tyrant Dionysius. Despite the Carthaginian pressure, the Syracusans managed to break the blockade through naval victories, leading to a surge of public discontent against Dionysius's tyranny, corruption, and incompetence. This internal unrest culminated in a historic public assembly where a wealthy citizen, Theodorus, delivered a fiery harangue condemning the despot. He accused Dionysius of pillaging temples, enslaving citizens, and betraying Greek allies to the Carthaginians, urging the assembly to overthrow him and choose new leaders. The hope for liberation was briefly sustained until the arrival of the Spartan commander Pharakidas. Contrary to the Syracusans' expectations that Sparta would champion freedom, Pharakidas declared his loyalty to Dionysius, effectively condemning the city to continued subjugation. The volume concludes with the intensification of the siege, the arrival of Carthaginian reinforcements, and the grim realities of war, including pestilence, leaving the fate of Syracuse hanging in the balance as the stage is set for the eventual intervention of Timoleon.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History