The Peloponnesian War: Part 1 & 2

This workshop contextualises the Peloponnesian War, and introduces students to a nuanced investigation of this conflict. Students will gain insight into the ideas, people and actions that determined the nature, causes and consequences of the war.

In Part 1 students interpret ancient artefacts and texts to evaluate the causes of the War and key events. In Part 2 students use ancient rhetorical techniques to construct arguments about war policies and decisions made by key figures such as: Pericles, Alcibiades, Nicias, Lysander, Cleon and Brasidas. Students explore the state of mind of pivotal individuals and make connections between the socio-political and economic undercurrents of the war.