The Melian Dialogue

The act of accepting terms offered by a stronger power in order to avoid conflict.

A belief that one's actions are justified by a sense of honor, even if those actions are unwise or harmful.

A powerful city-state that was known for its military strength and political influence in ancient Greece.

A military alliance between two or more states that agree to cooperate in defense or other matters.

A payment made by a weaker state to a more powerful state in exchange for protection or other concessions.

The right of a people or nation to self-govern and make their own choices.

A state or city that is considered to be a superior or dominant power in a region.

A Spartan city that was a rival to Athens and a strong military power.

The Athenians believed that it was foolish for the Melians to believe in the possibility of help from the Spartans, luck, and hopes, which they considered uncertain and unreliable.

The Melians refused to submit to Athenian demands and put their faith in the Spartans, luck, and their own hopes for a better outcome.

The Athenians were unconvinced by the Melians' arguments and saw their reliance on uncertain factors as naive.

The Athenians immediately began a siege of Melos, surrounding the city with a wall and blocking it by land and sea.

The Athenians ultimately conquered Melos through a combination of siege warfare and treachery from within the city. They killed all the Melians eligible for military service and sold the women and children into slavery.

A phrase used by the Athenians to describe their belief that the gods are neutral and that ruling over whomever one can is a natural law.

The Athenian's justification for their actions; it implies a pragmatic and self-serving approach to international relations.

The Melians' hope that Sparta will intervene due to a sense of honour and kinship.

The Athenians' criticism of the Melians' belief in Spartan honour, suggesting it's unrealistic and naive.

The Melians' faith in their alliance with Sparta and the gods, despite their weakness.

The Athenian's mockery of the Melians' reliance on Sparta, emphasizing their own power and pragmatism.

The Athenians' belief that they are acting in accordance with the natural order and will not be held accountable by the gods.

The Athenians' argument that the Spartans are more interested in their own interests than in upholding principles of honour or justice.

The belief that powerful states will ultimately conquer weaker ones, leading to a chain reaction of subjugation.

The Athenians' argument that it is unwise to fight a stronger adversary when defeat is likely.

The Melian's belief that their chances of winning are not as bleak as the Athenians suggest, and that surrender is too risky.

The Athenians' assertion that neutral states observing their actions will rightfully anticipate becoming targets in the future.

The practice of imposing control and authority over another state or people, often by force or threat of force.

The Athenians' argument that islanders, unlike mainland states, are more vulnerable due to their isolation and reliance on sea trade.

A situation where one party possesses a significant advantage over another in terms of power, resources, or influence.

The Melian's argument that defying a powerful state, even with the risk of defeat, is preferable to submitting to slavery.

The principle stating that a powerful state's actions are always justified, as any potential consequence of these actions would be blamed on the weaker state.

A state's subjects are more likely to revolt if they perceive their rulers as weak.

The strategy of maintaining a strong appearance, even if it involves aggressive actions, to deter challenges and maintain control.

The Athenians believe their subjects will perceive any act of diplomacy with neutral states as a sign of weakness.

The Athenians claim that if a powerful state demonstrates weakness by not conquering a weaker state, the subjects of the powerful state will view it as a sign of fear, and possibly initiate rebellion.

The argument that justifies the subjugation of independent states in order to increase the size and security of an empire.

The Athenians believe island states, especially weaker ones, pose a significant threat to their empire's security.

The Athenians believe their claim of being 'just', which implies that they treat all subjects equally, is a facade used to legitimize their imperial ambitions.

The idea that when powerful entities clash, morality and justice are irrelevant, and the strong dictate the terms while the weak must comply.

The Athenians believe that Melos should accept their rule due to their superior power and military strength, disregarding any moral claims Melos might have.

The Melians argue that there is universal moral principle that dictates all entities in danger deserve fair treatment and should be allowed to argue their case irrespective of their military strength.

The Athenians argue that the Melians should not rely on potential external help or any promises of future support, as they are isolated and unable to defend themselves, leaving them at their mercy.

The Melians, being a colony of Sparta, believe that their connection to Sparta might dissuade the Athenians from attacking them.

The Athenians believe that Melos's neutrality in the war with Sparta does not matter. They are solely focused on expanding their empire and will not excuse Melos from their ambitions simply because they have not directly harmed them.

The Melians are desperate to maintain their independence and avoid the consequences of Athenian conquest, even if it means accepting Athenian rule and living under their control.

The Athenians believe they hold all the cards and that their will will ultimately prevail, leading to either Melos's surrender and subjugation or a violent confrontation that results in their destruction.