For anyone following the #BreakIn intro’s, you will notice a text listed under our ‘War’ intro is the History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (Landmark translation). There’s no denying it is a heavy text and will perhaps be too much to dive into for those who are not very comfortable with the subject matter. 

This article, Guide to the classics: Thucydides’s History of the Peloponnesian War by Julia Kindt via The Conversation may be the answer to your prayers, as it will allow you to ‘dip your toe in the water’ and gain a baseline understanding before venturing into the heavier text and getting lost. The article explains that Thucydides created a work that still resonates in the disciplines of history, international relations, and political science. More than 2500 years later, Thucydides’ work still stands 'among the foundational texts in the classical canon due to its enduring analytical sharpness and the acuteness of his observations. It remains a must read for all who want to understand how power politics manifest, and learn about its effect on the psychology of humankind, both individual and collective.'

Read this more gentle article which provides a concise summary of the History of the Peloponnesian War, and when you’re feeling brave commence your reading of the Landmark translation text.