Episode 2 in the Speeches of the Peloponnesian War series.

Athens had heard Corcyra's case. A powerful fleet. A strategic alliance. A warning that war with Sparta was coming regardless. It was a compelling argument but Corinth had been sitting there listening to every word, and now it was their turn to speak.

In this episode we hear the Corinthian reply: A careful, methodical dismantling of everything Corcyra had just argued. A case built on law, on history, and on a debt of gratitude Athens owed but had not yet repaid.

Both sides had made serious arguments. Both were legally defensible. And when the first day of debate ended,

On the second day, Athens voted, but for a compromise. Not a full alliance, that would be too provocative. Instead a defensive pact. Ten ships.

It was a careful decision. A cautious one. And according to Thucydides, it changed nothing — because the real cause of what was coming was never legal or diplomatic. It was fear. The fear that a rising power inevitably inspires in those who watch it grow.

Music by Kevin McLoed, songs include: "Trio for Violin and Viola", "Teller of Tales", and "Devastation and Revenge".

All Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License.