The Melian dialogue is found in Book V of the History of the Peloponnesian War by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides.
It is an unusual piece of text, as it is written in the style of a theatrical dialogue, rather than a record of opposing speeches as Thucydides usually wrote. The historical background of this portion of the History is the invasion of the island of Melos by Athens in 416 BC during the Peloponnesian War. The Melians had always resisted the influence of the Delian League, and resisted this invasion as well. Thucydides writes that both sides held a meeting where they presented their arguments for and against the invasion.
In the passage, the Athenians refuse to discuss either the justice of their demand or any substantive argument by the Melians. Instead, the long remembered Athenian commentary is one of hard realism: The strong do what they can; the weak suffer what they must.
In the end, the Athenians were victorious and dealt with the Melians by executing every male of military age and enslaving the women and children.
The dialogue as written in the History probably reflects Thucydides personal view of the invasion of Melos, rather than accurately recording the specific speeches delivered at the meeting.
External links
