Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian and author of “History of the Peloponnesian War,” a seminal work recounting the conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE. Born around 460 BCE, Thucydides applied a meticulous and analytical approach to historical writing, distinguishing his work from earlier chroniclers. His emphasis on the political and social aspects of events, along with his focus on human behaviour and motives, earned him the title of the “father of political realism.”
Thucydides’ narrative style, marked by objectivity and a lack of divine explanations for events, laid the groundwork for modern historiography. His exploration of power dynamics, alliances, and the nature of conflict remains influential in the study of international relations. Thucydides’ enduring legacy extends beyond his own time, shaping the understanding of historical methodology and the complexities of human behaviour in times of crisis.
