Deceptive Tactics in the Sicilian Expedition

In a quest for time and a desire to acquire more wealth, Athens enters the Sicilian Expedition, dividing up her resources and starting a war on two fronts. Athens, desiring financial gain, enters the Sicilian Expedition under the guise of helping an ally, Egesta. However, the Athenians quickly learn that Egesta lacks the financial resources required to expand their empire. Through the deception of Alcibiades, Athens dissolves her democratic government in favor on a oligarchy and further propels herself into disintegration. My essay explores the role of deception and misinformation in Thucydides’ account of the Sicilian Expedition, specifically what insights deception as well as the culpability of allowing oneself to be deceived.

-Mellyssa Miller