Page:History of Greece Vol VI.djvu/21

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

CONTENTS. XV and Kl ion, in March 422 B.C., after the expiration of the truce for ono year. Kleon's advocacy of war at this moment perfectly defensible unjust account of his motive given by Thucydides. Kleon at this time adhered more closely than any other Athenian public man to the foreign policy of Perikles. Dispositions of Nikias and the peace-party in refer- ence to the reconqucst of Amphipolis. Kleon conducts an expedition against Amphipolis he takes Torone. He arrives at Eion sends en- voys to invite Macedonian and Thracian auxiliaries. Dissatisfaction of his own troops with his inaction while waiting for these auxiliaries. He is forced by these murmurs to make a demonstration he marches from Eion along the walls of Amphipolis to reconnoitre the top of the hill apparent quiescence in Amphipolis. Brasidas, at first on Mount Kerdylium presently moves into the town across the bridge. His exhortation to his soldiers. Kleon tries to effect his retreat. Brasidas sallies out upon the army in its retreat the Athenians are completely routed Brasidas and Kleon both slain. Profound sorrow in Thrace for the death of Brasidas funeral honors paid him in Amphipolis. The Athenian armament, much diminished by its loss in the battle, re- turns home. Remarks on the battle of Amphipolis wherein consisted the faults of Kleon. Disgraceful conduct of the Athenian hoplites the defeat of Amphipolis arose partly from political feeling hostile to Kleon. Important effect of the death of Brasidas, in reference to the prospects of the war his admirable character and efficiency. Feelings of Thucydides towards Brasidas and Kleon. Character of Kleon his foreign policy. Internal policy of Kleon as a citizen in constitutional life. Picture in the Knights of Aristophanes. Unfairness of judginf Kleon upon such evidence. Picture of Sokrates by Aristophanes u noway resembling. The vices imputed by Aristophanes to Kleon are not reconcilable one with the other. Kleon a man of strong and bitter opposition talents frequent in accusation often on behalf of poor men suffering wrong. Necessity for voluntary accusers at Athens general danger and obloquy attending the function. We have no evidence to decide in what proportion of cases he accused wrongfully. Private dispute between Kleon and Aristophanes. Negotiations for peace during the winter following the battle of Amphipolis. Peace called the Peace of Nikias concluded in March 421 B.C. Conditions of peace. The peace is only partially accepted by the allies of Sparta. The Boeo-

tians, Megarians, and Corinthians, all repudiate it ,426-494