The Historical Library of Diodorus the Sicilian/Book XI/Chapter VIII

Chapter VIII

 * The Lacedæmonians quarrel with the Athenians for the dominion of the sea.

WHEN Dromoclides was archon of Athens, and Marcus Fabius and Cneius Manlius consuls of Rome, the Lacedæmonians were highly concerned for their loss of sovereignty of the sea, and therefore being greatly exasperated against the Grecians, who had deserted them, they breathed out revenge, with just indignation against them. A general council therefore being called, they advised together concerning war to be proclaimed against the Athenians, in order to the recovery of their dominion at sea: and in several other assemblies of the people, most of them (especially the young men) were very hot and eager for the war, vaunting every where how rich they should be if they succeeded in their design, and how all would be encouraged in the service of their country, when every private family hath had such advantages and occasions to enrich and advance themselves.

And they called to mind an old prophecy from the oracle, which bid them beware of having but half an empire, which could signify nothing else (as they alledged) but the present circumstances they were in. For being there were two sovereignties, the one at land, and the other at sea, if they lost the one, they must need be masters but of a lame government.

The whole city almost being of the opinion for a war, the matter was again referred to the senate, supposing none would dare to contradict the general sense of the citizens. But one of the senators, of the family of Hercules, called Hetæmaridas, (a man of great esteem among the citizens for his virtue), advised quite otherwise, and declared his opinion that they should suffer the Athenians quietly to enjoy the dominion of the sea, for that it was not the custom of the commonwealth of Sparta, to contend with that sovereignty. And urging many reasons for the confirmation of his opinion (which was not at first very grateful) he at length prevailed both with the senate and people to wave the war. And so it was concluded, according to his advice, as most advantageous to desist.

The Athenians at the first were in great fear of a bloody war with the Spartans about this command at sea, and therefore they built many gallies for that purpose, and provided a great mass of treasure, and sought to gain all their neighbours and confederates with the greatest demonstrations of kindness and courtesy imaginable. But hearing of what was resolved and determined by the Lacedæmonians, all fear of war being now vanished, they wholly bent their minds to advance the power and greatness of their city.