Debra Hamel Book order

The Battle of Arginusae marked a significant naval clash near the end of the Peloponnesian War, involving nearly three hundred ships from Athens and Sparta. This pivotal victory for the Athenians was crucial for their survival, as defeat could have led to their total annihilation. However, the aftermath brought about one of the most devastating disasters for Athens during the lengthy conflict, highlighting the complex and often paradoxical nature of war.

Blending academic rigor with a playful tone, this book offers a unique reading experience akin to engaging with Herodotus while also referencing a comprehensive history of Greece and scholarly commentary. It invites readers to explore historical narratives in a dynamic way, enriching their understanding of the text through a mix of insights and interpretations.

This study of the Athenian strategia is concerned with identifying the locus of military authority in the Athenian polis .Consideration of the role played by generals in the deliberative and final stages of military expeditions and of the relationship between strategoi and their subordinates, colleagues, and the Athenian demos itself suggests that Athens' generals did not exercise significant authority over their city's military operations. Rather, the demos controlled its generals both by means of its direct involvement in decision-making related to campaigns and by establishing in Athens a climate of fear which was very often sufficient to dissuade generals from acting in opposition to the Athenians' will.This volume is important reading for anyone who is interested in ancient military history or the question of sovereignty in Athens.