From agora to throne room. Interstate relations between Persia, Athens and Sparta before and during the Persian Wars in Herodotus’ Histories.

Abstract

The workings of the interstate relations between Persia, Athens and Sparta as described by Herodotus are investigated through a comparison in the relations between Persia and Athens and Persia and Sparta respectively. The methods and aims of diplomacy are explored in order to form a background for the main topic of envoys and policy. Attention is also devoted to the role of deserters. Factors such as location, urgency of situations, pragmatism and ideology are seen to play important but varying roles.