Thucydidis de bello Peloponnesiaco

External appearance

Thucydidis de bello Peloponnesiaco Libri Octo (Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, Book 8) is 14 cm (width) x 20 cm (height). The 1st volume comprises 204 pages and is in fine condition.

The publication includes the 1st volume of the 8th book of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, with annotations in Latin.

A researcher into Thucydides

Ernst Friedrich Poppo (1794-1866) was a German classical scholar and teacher. He was born in Brandenburg and studied in Leipzig. He is considered one of the most important researchers into Thucydides’ opuses, which he published in 4 parts and 11 volumes between 1821-1840, including:

• A preface on Thucydides as a historian, his language and style, accompanied by historical and geographical articles.
• The original texts with annotations and critique.
• A commentary on the text, in Latin.
• Indexes and annexes.

Thucydides’ History

The work History of the Peloponnesian War is an account of the war between Athens/the Delian League and Sparta/the Peloponnesian League (431-404 BCE). The author was Thucydides (c. 460 - c. 399 BCE), a politician and military man from Athens. The book covers events up to 411 BCE.

It is widely accepted as one of the most significant historical texts, being the first scientifically written historical study, and stands out for its completeness and objectivity. It has influenced many historians and is still being studied by political scientists to this day, since Thucydides is thought to be the father of political realism.

Book 8

Thucydides did not give a title to his opus, nor did he separate it into books. The division into 8 books and the title Thucydides’ History are attributed to ancient scholars.

The rare copy that belongs to the Alpha Bank Library includes the first years of the Decelean War (413-404), the intervention of the Persians in Greek affairs and the defection of many of Athens’ allies.

The Alpha Bank Rare Book Collection is not open to the public.

However, you may visit the other collections of the Alpha Bank Library.