Drama, Oratory and Thucydides in Fifth-Century Athens: Teaching Imperial Lessons

This study examines the discrepancies between Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War and other sources of information about Athens,such as tragedy,funeral orations,and public art. It argues that Thucydides' critical and cynical approach to the Athenian empire does not reflect how the average Athenian saw their city's power,and that the popular education of the Athenians presented a more flattering portrayal of their city and its citizens.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive study delves into the rich rhetoric of the Athenian empire, encompassing Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War and the notable disparities between his assessment of Athens and that found in tragedy, funeral orations, and public art. Mills explores the profound contradiction between Athenian actions and their self-representation, contending that Thucydides' highly critical and cynical approach to the Athenian empire does not accurately reflect how the average Athenian perceived their city's power.

The popular education of the Athenians, as presented to them in funeral speeches, drama, and public art, told a vastly different story from that presented by Thucydides' history. This alternative narrative was far more palatable to ordinary Athenians, as it offered them a highly flattering portrayal of their city and, by extension, each individual who made up that city.

Drama, Oratory, and Thucydides in Fifth-Century Athens: Teaching Imperial Lessons provides a captivating exploration into Athenian self-representation and holds immense interest for scholars engaged in classical Athens, the Greek polis, and classical historiography.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032474731