Audiobooks by Thucydides

The History of the Peloponnesian War Audiobook

Dive into the tumultuous world of ancient Greece with Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, a masterpiece that stands as one of the earliest and most influential works in historical writing. Thucydides, an Athenian general turned historian, presents a riveting account of the epic conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Delian League, led by Athens, offering unprecedented insights into the complexities of war, power, and human nature. This timeless classic not only chronicles the military strategies and political machinations of ancient civilizations but also explores the deeper, enduring questions of justice, leadership, and the impact of war on society. Thucydides' meticulous approach to historiography and his commitment to neutrality and objectivity make his work a fascinating study for anyone interested in the roots of modern historical analysis. His narrative is enriched with powerful speeches, including the famous funeral oration by Pericles, and his analysis of the war’s causes and effects provides a valuable lens through which to view contemporary conflicts. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of political science, or simply fascinated by ancient cultures, Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War offers a compelling and thought-provoking journey through one of history's most pivotal epochs. With its blend of rigorous scholarship and dramatic storytelling, this audiobook will transport you to the heart of ancient Greece, making it a must-have addition to your collection. Engage with the past to understand the present through the eyes of one of history's greatest observers. This audiobook was narrated and produced by RAM Studios, where humans and artificial intelligence collaborate to create an excellent listening experience. (The reading is done primarily by AI)

Thucydides (Author), Anna Isaksen (Narrator)

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The History of the Peloponnesian War

The History of the Peloponnesian War is a historical account of the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), which was fought between the Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta) and the Delian League (led by Athens). It was written by Thucydides, an Athenian historian who also served as an Athenian general during the war. His account of the conflict is widely considered to be a classic and regarded as one of the earliest scholarly works of history. The History is divided into eight books. Analyses of the History generally occur in one of two camps. On the one hand, some scholars such as J. B. Bury view the work as an objective and scientific piece of history. The judgment of Bury reflects this traditional interpretation of the History as 'severe in its detachment, written from a purely intellectual point of view, unencumbered with platitudes and moral judgments, cold and critical.' On the other hand, in keeping with more recent interpretations that are associated with reader-response criticism, the History can be read as a piece of literature rather than an objective record of the historical events. This view is embodied in the words of W. R. Connor, who describes Thucydides as 'an artist who responds to, selects and skillfully arranges his material, and develops its symbolic and emotional potential.

Thucydides (Author), Liam Johnson (Narrator)

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The History of the Peloponnesian War

The rivalry between two of the dominant city states of Ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta, erupted into a war lasting nearly 30 years and was to have a dramatic effect on the balance of power in the area. Between 431 and 404 BCE, the two cities battled it out on land and sea, aided by their alliances with neighbouring states: Athens' Delian League vigorously opposed Sparta's Peloponnesian League in a conflict which effectively involved the whole region. Thucydides, in his role as an Athenian general, saw the war from close quarters, and his famous account of it, The History of the Peloponnesian War, is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding early histories. He observes in considerable detail the way in which the fortunes of war swung one way and then another. Sparta was known for its vigorous martial training, expert especially in land battles and Athens, very much a centre of high culture and known for successful sea battles - the combination proved crucial in defeating the Persian invasion 50 years earlier. Thucydides explains what happened when these two proud states came to war. Conflict became inevitable when Sparta became increasingly concerned with the growing power and dominance of the Athenian empire in the region. This is essentially a military history - tactics and armoury are much in evidence - though it is replete with other important details including portraits and speeches of key figures such as Pericles (the funeral oration given to mark the dead in the first year of the war) and the controversial Athenian general Alcibiades. But Thucydides also describes the destructive effect of war on ordinary citizens, the atrocities committed by both sides, disease, the effect of rain and storms, the influence of power blocs, military overconfidence and political decisions made well behind the battle fronts which interfered with the progress and success of the war. He recounts the disastrous Sicilian Expedition where a strong Athenian force was virtually destroyed at Syracuse. Thucydides' History, divided into eight books, ends abruptly in 410 BCE, six years before the conclusion of hostilities, suggesting his death. It is unlikely he ever saw the final defeat of Athens by Sparta in a naval battle, the destruction of the walls of Athens and the ultimate victory of the Peloponnesian League. Nevertheless, his History remains a vivid portrayal of a vicious and unrelenting war lasting nearly three decades between neighbouring rivals. Presented here in the classical translation by Benjamin Jowett, it is read with engaging immediacy by Mike Rogers.

Thucydides (Author), Mike Rogers (Narrator)

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How to Think about War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy

Why do nations go to war? What are citizens willing to die for? What justifies foreign invasion? And does might always make right? For nearly 2,500 years, students, politicians, political thinkers, and military leaders have read the eloquent and shrewd speeches in Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War for profound insights into military conflict, diplomacy, and the behavior of people and countries in times of crisis. How to Think about War presents the most influential and compelling of these speeches in an elegant new translation by classicist Johanna Hanink, accompanied by an enlightening introduction. Thucydides intended his account of the clash between classical Greece's mightiest powers-Athens and Sparta-to be a 'possession for all time.' Today, it remains a foundational work for the study not only of ancient history but also contemporary politics and international relations. How to Think about War features speeches that have earned the History its celebrated status-all of those delivered before the Athenian Assembly, as well as Pericles's funeral oration and the notoriously ruthless 'Melian Dialogue.' Organized by key debates, these complex speeches reveal the recklessness, cruelty, and realpolitik of Athenian warfighting and imperialism.

Thucydides (Author), David De Vries (Narrator)

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The History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides's History of the Peloponnesian War is one of the most famous, influential, and moving works of genuine history in our traditions. His brilliant account of the civil war among the Greeks redefined how we should analyze the past, driving a permanent wedge between accounts based on myth and folk traditions and those based on empirical investigation and a rational enquiry into human motives. The work is also a profoundly tragic illumination, not merely of the self-destructive events of the civil war, but also of the future course of human history. This abridgement features Richard Crawley's classic translation, which has been updated by Ian Johnston.

Thucydides (Author), Malcolm Blackmoor, Neville Jason (Narrator)

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The History of the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War, 431 to 404 b.c., pitted the all-powerful Spartan infantry against the supremely powerful Athenian navy. Thucydides actually participated in this war and realized it would have an unparalleled influence on the history of Greece. He vividly narrates exciting episodes and carefully describes tactical aspects of the war as well as provides various illuminating character profiles.

Thucydides (Author), Pat Bottino (Narrator)

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The History of the Peloponnesian War

Thucydides' classic chronicle of the war between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE persists as one of the most brilliant histories of all time. As one who actually participated in the conflict, Thucydides recognized the effect it would have on the history of Greece above all other wars. With a passion for accuracy and a contempt for myth and romance, he compiled an exhaustively factual record of the disaster that eventually ended the Athenian empire. Conflicts between Athens and Sparta over shipping, trade, and colonial expansion came to a head in 431 BCE, when the entire Greek world was plunged into twenty-seven years of war. This watershed event concerns not only military prowess but also perennial conflicts between might and right, imperial powers and subject peoples. Extraordinary writing, scrupulous methods, and keen political insight make this account a joy to read.

Thucydides (Author), Pat Bottino (Narrator)

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