416–415 BC · Island of Melos, Cyclades Theater
416–415 BC
Athens demanded that the neutral island of Melos — a Spartan colony that had tried to remain out of the war — join the Athenian Empire or be destroyed. The Melian dialogue, recorded by Thucydides, is one of the most chilling documents in history: Athenian envoys told the Melians bluntly that 'the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.' The Melians refused. Athens besieged the island for months; starvation and betrayal forced surrender. The Athenians executed all men of military age and enslaved the women and children. The island was resettled with Athenian colonists.
Commanders