Melian Dialogue And Pericles Funeral Oration

The Funeral Oration of Pericles and The Melian Dialogue are two primary sources that present us the true nature of Athens. The evidence from the two primary sources states to us that Athens are a people that don’t look upon others and that they only care about themselves. Surviving and making sure that their people history stay alive is Athens main agenda and they will stop at nothing to make sure they reach their goal. Athenians true nature is survival. Doing the war against Sparta, they held a funeral for the fallen soldiers. Pericles speech to the people of Athens was to motivate them and encourage them to get ready for battle. He states “Let me say that our system of government does not copy the institutions of our neighbors. It is more
The Dialogue between Athens and Melian gives a closer depth into Athens true nature. I believe that Athens taught if they conquered a nation and ruled that nation then that would gain them respect against other potential threats from other nations. They not only believe in respect but also believe that weaker nations should be conquered. The Article states “The Athenians who saw no conflict between imperialism and democracy, considered it natural for strong states to dominate weaker ones”. (Pg.1, The Melian Dialogue). The Athens also believe if they showed any mercy against their opponent it showed a sign of weakness, that’s why they didn’t agree with the Melians. For example, “Melians: So, you would not agree to our being neutral, friends instead of enemies,’ “Athens: No, because it is not so much your hostility that injure us; it is rather the case that, if we were on friendly terms with you, our subjects would regard that as a sign of weakness in us “. (Pg. 2, The Melians Dialogue) This proves my point that the Athens only cared about survival and they will stop at nothing to make sure that they survive. They invaded The Islands of Melos to show other nations not to mess with