The History Of The Peloponnesian War

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

War Begins

20150427

20150817 (R4)

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' spellbinding first-hand account chronicles the devastating 27-year-long war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism.

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. Looking at why nations go to war, what makes a great leader, and whether might can be better than right, he became the father of modern Realpolitik. His influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Thucydides' masterful account of the end of Greece's Golden Age, depicts an age of revolution, sea battles, military alliances, plague and massacre, but also great bravery and some of the greatest political orations of all time.

Today: With Spartan distrust of the rising power of Athens, is war inevitable?

Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods. He is the author of 'Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic', which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, as well as 'Persian Fire', 'Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom', 'In the Shadow of the Sword', as well as several novels. His latest non-fiction book, 'Dynasty', chronicling the Roman Emperors, will be published in 2015.

He has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. His translation of Herodotus was published in 2013. In 2007, he was the winner of the Classical Association prize, awarded to 'the individual who has done most to promote the study of the language, literature and civilisation of Ancient Greece and Rome'.

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Today: With Spartan distrust of the rising power of Athens, is war inevitable?

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

From Funerals To Plague

20150428

20150818 (R4)

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the three decades of war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism.

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to chronicle what he saw as the greatest and most devastating war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians and journalists today. As the father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: from the glorification to the devastation of Athens - Pericles' great funeral speech and the plague that followed.

Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods, who has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC.

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Today: from the glorification to the devastation of Athens - Pericles' great funeral speech and the plague that followed.

Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods, who has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC.

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

Spartan Surrender At Pylos

20150429

20150819 (R4)

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account chronicles the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism.

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: the shocking defeat of the Spartans on the island of Pylos.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: the shocking defeat of the Spartans on the island of Pylos.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

An Athenian Atrocity

20150430

20150820 (R4)

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account charts the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism.

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: after an Athenian atrocity in Melos, both sides prepare for war in Sicily.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: after an Athenian atrocity in Melos, both sides prepare for war in Sicily.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horovitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

The Beginning Of The End

20150501

20150821 (R4)

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: an expedition to conquer Sicily spells the beginning of the end of Athenian power.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horowitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides

Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond.

Today: an expedition to conquer Sicily spells the beginning of the end of Athenian power.

Abridger: Tom Holland

Reader: David Horowitch

Producer: Justine Willett.

First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	War Begins	20150427	20150817 (R4)	My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' spellbinding first-hand account chronicles the devastating 27-year-long war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. Looking at why nations go to war, what makes a great leader, and whether might can be better than right, he became the father of modern Realpolitik. His influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Thucydides' masterful account of the end of Greece's Golden Age, depicts an age of revolution, sea battles, military alliances, plague and massacre, but also great bravery and some of the greatest political orations of all time. Today: With Spartan distrust of the rising power of Athens, is war inevitable? Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods. He is the author of 'Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic', which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, as well as 'Persian Fire', 'Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom', 'In the Shadow of the Sword', as well as several novels. His latest non-fiction book, 'Dynasty', chronicling the Roman Emperors, will be published in 2015. He has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. His translation of Herodotus was published in 2013. In 2007, he was the winner of the Classical Association prize, awarded to 'the individual who has done most to promote the study of the language, literature and civilisation of Ancient Greece and Rome'. Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' spellbinding first-hand account chronicles the devastating 27-year-long war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. Looking at why nations go to war, what makes a great leader, and whether might can be better than right, he became the father of modern Realpolitik. His influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Thucydides' masterful account of the end of Greece's Golden Age, depicts an age of revolution, sea battles, military alliances, plague and massacre, but also great bravery and some of the greatest political orations of all time. Today: With Spartan distrust of the rising power of Athens, is war inevitable? Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods. He is the author of 'Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic', which was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, as well as 'Persian Fire', 'Millennium: The End of the World and the Forging of Christendom', 'In the Shadow of the Sword', as well as several novels. His latest non-fiction book, 'Dynasty', chronicling the Roman Emperors, will be published in 2015. He has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. His translation of Herodotus was published in 2013. In 2007, he was the winner of the Classical Association prize, awarded to 'the individual who has done most to promote the study of the language, literature and civilisation of Ancient Greece and Rome'. Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.
02	From Funerals To Plague	20150428	20150818 (R4)	My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the three decades of war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to chronicle what he saw as the greatest and most devastating war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians and journalists today. As the father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Thucydides' masterful account of the end of Greece's Golden Age, depicts an age of revolution, sea battles, military alliances, plague and massacre, but also great bravery and some of the greatest political oratory of all time. Today: from the glorification to the devastation of Athens - Pericles' great funeral speech and the plague that followed. Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods, who has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the three decades of war between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against brutal Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to chronicle what he saw as the greatest and most devastating war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians and journalists today. As the father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Thucydides' masterful account of the end of Greece's Golden Age, depicts an age of revolution, sea battles, military alliances, plague and massacre, but also great bravery and some of the greatest political oratory of all time. Today: from the glorification to the devastation of Athens - Pericles' great funeral speech and the plague that followed. Abridger: Tom Holland is an award-winning novelist and historian, specialising in the classical and medieval periods, who has adapted Homer, Herodotus, Thucydides and Virgil for the BBC. Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.
03	Spartan Surrender At Pylos	20150429	20150819 (R4)	My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account chronicles the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: the shocking defeat of the Spartans on the island of Pylos. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account chronicles the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: the shocking defeat of the Spartans on the island of Pylos. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account of the Peloponnesian wars First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.
04	An Athenian Atrocity	20150430	20150820 (R4)	My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account charts the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: after an Athenian atrocity in Melos, both sides prepare for war in Sicily. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account charts the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: after an Athenian atrocity in Melos, both sides prepare for war in Sicily. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horovitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.
05	The Beginning Of The End	20150501	20150821 (R4)	My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account chronicles the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: an expedition to conquer Sicily spells the beginning of the end of Athenian power. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horowitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta. My work is not a piece of writing designed to meet the taste of an immediate public, but was done to last for ever,' Thucydides Ancient Greek historian Thucydides' masterful first-hand account chronicles the devastating wars between Athens and Sparta during the 5th century BC. It was a life-and-death struggle that reshaped the face of ancient Greece and pitted Athenian democracy against Spartan militarism. Thucydides himself was an Athenian aristocrat and general who went on to record what he saw as the greatest war of all time, applying a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth admired by historians today. And as father of modern Realpolitik, his influence fed into the works of Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbs and the politics of the Cold War and beyond. Today: an expedition to conquer Sicily spells the beginning of the end of Athenian power. Abridger: Tom Holland Reader: David Horowitch Producer: Justine Willett. First-hand account by Thucydides of the 5th-century BC wars between Athens and Sparta.