Nemesis: Alcibiades and the Fall of Athens

Alcibiades was a brilliant general and politician who was also a notorious traitor during the Peloponnesian War. David Stuttard's book Nemesis explores his life and the turbulent world he conquered, from his childhood in Athens to his exile in Sparta and Persia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2018
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Alcibiades, a prominent figure during the Golden Age of Athens, stands as a captivating and enigmatic character. Born into the esteemed Pericles household and counted among the close associates of Socrates, he possessed a remarkable blend of wealth, striking physical allure, and charismatic personality. Beyond his impressive military prowess and political acumen, Alcibiades was also known for his treacherous nature, marked by a series of shifting allegiances during the Peloponnesian War.

Nemesis, a captivating historical narrative by David Stuttard, delves into the intricate tapestry of Alcibiades' extraordinary life. Stuttard vividly reimagines ancient Athens, capturing its splendor and grandeur at the peak of its power. The book follows Alcibiades from his humble beginnings to his ascent to political prominence, showcasing his remarkable journey. However, Alcibiades' ascent was not without its challenges, as his enemies relentlessly sought to undermine him. Despite facing a capital charge of impiety, Alcibiades managed to escape to the enemy camp, Sparta, where he traded military intelligence for safety. However, his fortunes took a drastic turn when he was suspected of seducing a Spartan queen, leading to his forced exile once again. This time, he found refuge in the long-term adversaries of Athens, the Persians.

Miraculously, Alcibiades engineered a recall to Athens as the Supreme Commander, a position of immense power and influence. Yet, his triumph was short-lived, as he faced a reversal of fortune and ultimately took flight to Thrace, where he lived as a warlord. Tracked down by his relentless enemies, Alcibiades met his end in a tragic manner, dying naked and alone in a hail of arrows.

Throughout his adventures, Alcibiades traversed the vast Mediterranean, visiting key cities such as mainland Greece, Syracuse, Sardis, and Byzantium. Stuttard skillfully weaves together the various threads of Alcibiades' life, providing a coherent and captivating account of a life that has fascinated historians, storytellers, and artists for over two thousand years. Navigating through often contradictory evidence, Nemesis offers a comprehensive and compelling portrayal of Alcibiades, shedding light on his complex character, his political maneuvers, and his enduring impact on the history of ancient Greece.

Alcibiades' life remains a testament to the complexities of human nature, where wealth, power, and charisma can be intertwined with treachery and deceit. His story continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring allure of a figure who defied convention and left an indelible mark on the world of ancient Greece.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 246 x 172 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674660441