Against the Sicilian Expedition

Aristides. Vol. 1. Dindorf, Wilhelm, editor. Leipzig: Reimer, 1829.

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This work is a political oration delivered in the Athenian assembly, strongly opposing the dispatch of reinforcements to the Sicilian Expedition and advocating for an immediate withdrawal. The speaker begins by urging the citizens to prioritize overall security over temporary emotional satisfaction, arguing that they must flexibly alter past decisions in response to changing circumstances. In the first half, the speaker contrasts the grave defense crisis at Athens with the catastrophic state of the expeditionary force in Sicily, warning that sending additional troops would only invite domestic ruin. The debate then addresses the hawks' argument that retreat is disgraceful; invoking Pericles' principles and past examples of Spartan flexibility, the speaker contends that a timely retreat is a wise and honorable course of action. In the concluding section, the speaker points to ominous portents and historical precedents, such as the disastrous Egyptian expedition, to warn against the dangers of reckless expansion. Ultimately, the speech concludes with a powerful appeal to avoid total annihilation and preserve Athenian forces, prioritizing survival over stubborn pride.