"Athenian Empire" by George William Cox explores the brief yet impactful duration of the Athenian empire, which lasted just over two generations. This confederation of Greek city-states, led by Athens, sought to unify against the Persian Empire but ultimately succumbed to internal strife and the complexities of shifting alliances, culminating in the devastating Peloponnesian War. Cox vividly recounts key battles and the influential figures of the time, such as the Athenian general Nikias and the charismatic yet unscrupulous Alcibiades. The themes of democracy versus oligarchy and the consequences of political ambition resonate today, reminding us of the fragile nature of alliances and the enduring human struggle for power.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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