In Book 2 of Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War, the narrative covers the early years of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. This section includes the famous Funeral Oration by Pericles, which extols Athenian democracy and valor, followed by the devastating plague that strikes Athens. Thucydides' detailed account offers insight into the complexities of war, leadership, and human suffering during this pivotal historical period. Thucydides...