In 427 BCE, the ancient Greek world was engulfed in the Peloponnesian War, a fierce conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies. As the war entered its fourth year, Athens found itself unable to match Sparta’s formidable land forces. Consequently, the Athenians retreated behind the protective walls of their city and port, relying on their superior naval fleet and extensive maritime empire for sustenance.
The cramped conditions within the city walls took a severe toll on the population, exacerbated by a devastating plague that claimed a third of the inhabitants. Despite these hardships, life in Athens continued. In the heart of the city lived Archias and Dexileia, a couple navigating the complexities of wartime Athens. Archias, a prosperous painter of high-class pottery, was deeply engaged in the city’s affairs. In contrast, Dexileia, like other women of her time, was excluded from political participation and property ownership.
The couple was thankful that three of their four children—a son and two daughters—had survived infancy. In Athenian society, daughters were often seen as financial burdens due to the dowries required for marriage. However, Archias was confident that his wealth would secure advantageous matches for his daughters without financial ruin. Like many Athenian families, they owned slaves, including Thratta from Thrace, who managed household chores and childcare, and Philon, a paidagôgos, responsible for their son’s education.
Archias rose early to attend a meeting of the Ekklêsia, the assembly of Athenian citizens, held at dawn. Before leaving, he performed a ritual of burning incense and pouring a libation at the household shrine. Meanwhile, Dexileia remained at home, imparting domestic skills to her daughters and later enjoying the inner courtyard’s fresh air.
At the agora, the bustling civic and commercial hub of Athens, Archias joined fellow citizens to discuss the fate of Mytilene, a city on the island of Lesbos that had recently revolted against Athenian rule. The assembly convened on the Pnyx, a hill west of the acropolis, where 5,000 citizens gathered. The debate was intense, with some advocating for mercy and others for retribution. Ultimately, a motion to execute all Mytileneans and enslave their women and children passed by a majority vote.
After the meeting, Archias returned to the agora, where many citizens expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. Upon reaching home, he shared the day’s events with Dexileia, who believed that punishing the innocent alongside the guilty was both harsh and counterproductive. That evening, Archias attended a symposium with friends, where he echoed his wife’s sentiments, advocating for mercy. His friends eventually concurred.
Before dawn, an unprecedented event unfolded. Heralds announced a second assembly meeting, called by the council. The subsequent debate was equally fervent, resulting in a new resolution to execute only the revolt’s leaders. However, a ship carrying orders for the initial resolution had already set sail. In a dramatic race against time, another vessel was dispatched to countermand the original orders, highlighting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Athenian democracy.
Imagine you are an Athenian citizen attending the Ekklêsia. Divide into groups and debate the fate of Mytilene. One group will argue for mercy, while the other will argue for retribution. Present your arguments and vote on the outcome. This will help you understand the democratic process and the complexities of decision-making in ancient Athens.
Just like Archias, design your own piece of pottery. Draw a scene that represents life in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. This activity will help you appreciate the artistic skills and cultural expressions of ancient Athenians.
Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of Archias and Dexileia’s children. Describe a day in your life, including your education with Philon, household chores, and your thoughts on the war. This will help you empathize with the daily experiences of young Athenians.
Create a map tracing the journey of the two ships sent to Mytilene. Mark the starting point in Athens and the destination in Mytilene. Calculate the distance and discuss the challenges faced by the sailors. This will enhance your geographical knowledge and understanding of ancient naval expeditions.
Host a mock symposium where you discuss the ethical implications of the Mytilene debate. Reflect on the arguments made by Archias and his friends. Share your own views on justice and mercy. This will encourage critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Peloponnesian – Relating to the Peloponnesus, a peninsula in southern Greece, known for its historical significance in ancient Greek conflicts. – The Peloponnesian War was a major conflict between Athens and Sparta that changed the course of Greek history.
Athens – The capital city of Greece, known for its rich history, culture, and as the birthplace of democracy. – Athens was famous for its philosophers like Socrates and Plato, who shaped Western thought.
Sparta – An ancient Greek city-state known for its military strength and strict social structure. – Sparta trained its citizens to be warriors from a young age, focusing on discipline and strength.
War – A conflict between groups or nations, often involving armed forces and battles. – The war between Athens and Sparta lasted for nearly three decades and had a profound impact on ancient Greece.
Plague – A contagious disease that spreads rapidly and can cause high mortality rates. – The plague that struck Athens during the Peloponnesian War weakened its population and affected its ability to fight.
Assembly – A gathering of citizens in ancient Athens where they discussed and voted on important issues. – The Athenian assembly allowed citizens to participate directly in their government and make decisions.
Agora – A public open space used for assemblies and markets in ancient Greek city-states. – The agora was the center of social and political life in Athens, where people gathered to discuss ideas and trade.
Mytilene – A city on the island of Lesbos that played a significant role in the conflicts of ancient Greece. – Mytilene was involved in a revolt against Athenian rule during the Peloponnesian War, which led to a fierce debate in Athens.
Democracy – A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. – Ancient Athens is often credited with being the first democracy, where citizens could vote on laws and policies.
Society – A community of people living together and sharing customs, laws, and organizations. – The society of ancient Greece was divided into different classes, including citizens, non-citizens, and slaves, each with distinct roles.
