Page:History of Greece Vol VI.djvu/12

 i CONTENTS. Prosecution of the sculptor Pheidias for embezzlement instituted by the political opponents of Perikles. Charge of peculation against Peri- kles himself. Probability that Perikles was never even tried for pecula- tion, certainly that he was never found guilty of it. Requisition from the Lacedaemonians, for the banishment of Perikles arrived when Perikles was thus pressed by his political enemies rejected. Counter-requisi- tion sent by the Athenians to Sparta, for expiation of sacrilege. Fresh requisitions sent from Sparta to Athens to withdraw the troops from Potidaea to leave JEgina free to readmit the Megarians to Athenian harbors. Final and peremptory requisition of Sparta public assem- bly held at Athens on the whole subject of 'war and peace. Great dif- ference of opinion in the assembly important speech of Perikles. Perikles strenuously urges the Athenians not to yield. His review of the comparative forces, and probable chances of success or defeat, in the war. The assembly adopts the recommendation of Perikles firm and determined reply sent to Sparta. Views of Thucydides respecting the grounds, feelings, and projects of the two parties now about to embark in war. Equivocal period war not yet proclaimed first blow struck, not by Athens, but by her enemies. Open violation of the truce by the Thebans they surprise Plataia in the night. The gates of Platasa are opened by an oligarchical party within a Theban detachment are ad- mitted into the agora at night at first apparently successful, afterwards overpowered and captured. Large force intended to arrive from Thebes to support the assailants early in the morning they are delayed by the rain and the swelling of the Asopus they commence hostilities against the Platsean persons and property without the walls. Parley between the Plataeans and the Theban force without the latter evacuate the ter- ritory the Theban prisoners in Plataea are slain. Messages from Plafcea to Athens answer. Grecian feeling, already predisposed to the war, was wound up to the highest pitch by the striking incident at Platsea. Preparations for war on the part of Athens intimations sen; round to her allies Akarnanians recently acquired by Athens as allie.-> recent capture of the Amphilochian Argos by the Athenian Phormio. Strength and resources of Athens and her allies military and naval means treasure. Ample grounds for the confidence expressed by Perikles in the result. Position and power of Sparta and the Pelopon- nesian allies they are full of hope and confidence of putting down Athens speedily. Efforts of Sparta to get up a naval force. Muster of the combined Peloponnesian force at the isthmus of Corinth, under Archidamus, to invade Attica. Last envoy sent to Athens he is dis- missed without being allowed to enter the town. March of Archidamus into Attica his fruitless siege of CEnoe. Expectation of Archidamus that Athens would yield at the last moment. Difficulty of Perikles in persuading the Athenians to abandon their territory and see it all ravaged. Attica deserted the population flock within the walls of Athens. Hardships, privations, and distress endured. March of Archid- atnus into Attica. Archidamus advances to Acharna;, within seven miles of Athens. Intense clamor within the walls of Athens eager- ness to go forth and fight. Trying position, firmness, and sustained ascendency, of Perikles, in dissuading them from going forth. The Athenians remain within their walls : partial skirmishes only, no general action. Athenian fleet is despatched to ravage the coasts of Peloponne- sus first notice of the Spartan Brasidas operations of the Athenians in Akarnania, Kephallenia, etc. The Athenians expel the vEginetan* from JEgina, and people the island with Athenian kleruchs. The JEgi