Greece 3: Consequences of the Sicilian expedition

What is the background to the Sicilian expedition?

Egesta asked Athens for help with Selinus. Athens first voted to send 60 ships with Nicias, Lamachus and Alcibiades.

Nicias turned it into a destruction of two fleets: 100 ships, 5000 hoplites and 60 ships, 1200 hoplites.

45,000-50,000 Athenians and allies perished.

What is the events of 415BC of the Sicilian expedition?

The statues of Hermes around the city were desecrated - taken as a bad omen.

What is the events of 414BC of the Sicilian expedition?

Syracuse asked for Peloponnesian help - Sparta was influenced by Alcibiades (he was exiled there)

40,000 Athenians left Syracuse on foot, they were slaughtered by Syracuans.

Nicias surrendered to Gylippus: 7000prisoners were put in the quarries Nicias and Demosthenes were executed.

Explain Alcibiades natural attributes

He was a ward of Pericles - status of birth, good lucks grace and charm.

Accused of drunkenness, insolence, lawlessness and debauchery.

Spent extravagantly

Explain Alcibiades ambitiousness

Wanted personal glory

Explain Alcibiades appeal

Had the ability to win over the people, particularly the young. Many found his charm irresistible. Had success in diplomacy.

Explain Alcibiades opportunism

Switched allegiance a lot.

Served Athens, Sparta and Persia.

Supports oligarchs and democrats.

Explain Alcibiades adaptable

Able to adapt to differing political conditions and shifting of alliances

Explain Alcibiades military leadership

He was the most enterprising and experienced military leader Athens produced during the war.

Prompted the Spartan general, Lysander, to demand that he be assassinated in Persia.