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How Did Athens Conquer The Peloponnesian War?

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In Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War, Athens invaded the Spartan island of Melos. The Athenian king was determined to conquer Melos, one of the weaker islands surrounding them rather than let them be neutral. The citizens of Athens perceived neutrality as a sign of weakness, which could later cause his subjects to rise against him. Athens presents the Melians with a choice of becoming their vassals or for the Athenians to decimate Melian territory. After rejecting the cruel offer, Athens considered Melos an enemy of war, besieging the small island. After the Athenians displayed their command to the diminutive military of Melos, the island quickly surrendered. During the Peloponnesian war, Athens decided to conquer the island of Melos to keep their real enemy, the people, from considering him as a weak ruler. The Athenian generals agreed to encamp in Melos and, before harming them, sent negotiators to the Melians, threatening them the same way they had threatened every Spartan colony: Become subjects of Athens or be attacked and then enslaved. Melos refused, so the Athenian generals gave them more time to think about the serious decision. Still, the Melians defied the Athenians of their wishes. The generals proceeded to construct a wall around Melos and supplies were cut off. After months had passed, the Athenians planned to attack the city and the Melians, having discovered their plot, surrendered. Because Melos …show more content…

Although Athenian citizens could vote and had a say in the government, it was the king who made the real decision. When the generals came to negotiate with the Melians, they were representing the king's wishes. Athens wanted to conquer other colonies and nations, expanding their empire. Athens thought that any kingdom weaker than them should be conquered. It was thought that the strong had a right to conquer the

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