Might and Right: the Athenian version

The year is 416 BCE. It is fifteen years since the great war between Athens and Sparta, the superpowers of ancient Greece, began. The two sides rarely confront one another directly; instead, each of them tries to extend its influence in regions of strategic importance, in the hope that, when the moment comes, they will have a decisive advantage. The strength of Sparta lies in its army; Athens is above all a naval power, controlling most of the islands of the Aegean Sea in an ‘alliance’ that looks to most people more like an empire. The small island of Melos in the Cyclades, halfway between Athens and Crete, was originally a Spartan colony, and so had refused to join the Athenian alliance. Officially the Melians remain neutral, but in recent years their leaders have sided openly with Sparta. Now the Athenians have sent an expedition of 38 ships and 2,000 troops to demand the island's unconditional surrender. You are Cleomedes, son of Lycomedes, one of the commanders of this expedition; together with Tisias, son of Tisimachus, you have been ordered by the Athenian people to seize control of Melos by any means necessary. [[Continue]]

Your aggressive attitude is an affront to the pride of the Melians, who decide to resist you and retreat within their city walls. The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help them. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always people willing to betray their leaders in the hope of reward – the Melians are compelled to surrender. [[You order your men to kill all the men of military age, and seize the women and children to sell into slavery. They chose to resist; they should suffer the consequences.->Kill 'Em All!]] (either: "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Cut Off The Head]]", "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Self-Inflicted Wound]]")

Your men set about massacring the Melians with enthusiasm; perhaps this action is excessively harsh by normal Greek standards – but Athens isn’t bound by normal Greek standards, and isn’t worried about making other cities fear or hate her. The Athenian demos sends out 500 men to take over the city and its land and turn it into a loyal colony. They are pleased with you and Tisias; that’s the sort of easy victory that they expect. You can hope for a more prestigious command next time – perhaps as part of the great expedition now being launched against Syracuse in Sicily, the next step towards Athens’ inevitable domination of the Greek world… [[Try again?->Continue]]

You have the leaders of the Melians executed on the spot, and hand over the rule of Melos to the representatives of the democratic, pro-Athenian faction in the city. With a bit of luck, they will be trustworthy allies in future, and they certainly won’t be supporting Sparta any more. Your men are rather unhappy that they’ve lost the chance to sack the city, and some in the Athenian assembly now regard you with suspicion – you don’t have what it takes to rule an empire properly. Your career as a general may not go any further, and you certainly won’t be considered for a role in the great expedition now being launched against Syracuse in Sicily, the next step towards Athens’ inevitable domination of the Greek world… [[Try again?->Continue]]

You have the leaders of the Melians executed on the spot, and hand over the rule of Melos to the representatives of the democratic, pro-Athenian faction in the city. With a bit of luck, they will be reliable allies in future – but you can never wholly trust turncoats, and other Athenian subjects may be taking heart from this sign of weakness. Your men are unhappy that they’ve lost the chance to sack the city, and many in the Athenian assembly are angry about your decision; there is some talk about putting you on trial for disobeying orders. Your career as a general is certainly at an end; even if you’re not executed or sent into exile, you won’t play any part in the great expedition now being launched against Syracuse in Sicily, the next step towards Athens’ inevitable domination of the Greek world… [[Try again?->Continue]]

Your representatives return from the city and report that the leaders of the Melians are asking you to negotiate with their magistrates and leading men, rather than addressing the whole assembly of the people. [[That seems reasonable; the fewer people involved the better when it comes to dealing with complex issues. Ordinary citizens will get carried away with emotion and act irrationally.->Private Discussions]] (either: "[[I think we have the best chance of getting what we want if we address everyone.->Public Debate]]", "[[I think we have the best chance of getting what we want if we address everyone.->Public Debate]]", "[[I think we have the best chance of getting what we want if we address everyone.->Intransigence]]") [[No, this issue affects all the people of Melos, and should be discussed in front of all of them.->Public Debate]]

You and Tisias are brought into a room with the leading men of Melos, who look scared but defiant. "Well, let's get on with it," you say. "Obviously you've asked to meet us in secret because you're afraid that we will easily persuade the mass of the people with our arguments, or because you want to say things to us that you wouldn't dare say in public." The Melians glance at one another. How do you continue? (either: "[[You just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Resistance2]]", "[[You just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Pleading]]") [[We're prepared to listen to your arguments, so long as you have something reasonable to say to us.->Pleading]]

You and your men have landed on Melos and set up camp without encountering any resistance. All seems quiet and peaceful, but your scouts report that the city has substantial fortifications. [[You order your men to ravage the countryside and burn some crops, to show the Melians that you mean business.->Let It Burn!]] [[You send some people to the city to see if the Melians are willing to negotiate.->Opening Negotiations]]

Reluctantly, the Melian leaders agree, and the next day you are brought before the assembly of the people. The atmosphere is intimidating; many of these men hate Athens and all that it stands for, they are fiercely proud of their city and its independence, and they’re fearful for themselves and their families. However, you’ve spoken in the much larger Athenian assembly before now – and you know that your position is vastly stronger than theirs. How should you put this to them? [[People of Melos, why should you be put in danger because of the stubbornness of your leaders? They’re just concerned about their own position; Sparta favours oligarchs like them, whereas we Athenians believe in government by the people. We’re offering you the chance to save your city and join our alliance.->Negotiation]] (either: "[[People of Melos, you just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Resistance]]", "[[People of Melos, you just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Negotiation]]", "[[People of Melos, you just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Resistance]]", "[[People of Melos, you just have to face the facts. We’re strong. You’re weak. Arguments about justice only count between people of equal power. If you fight, you will lose. Surrender or die.->Resistance]]")

Your intransigence is an affront to the pride of the Melian oligarchs, who decide to resist you and retreat within their city walls. The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help them. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always people willing to betray their leaders in the hope of reward – the Melians are compelled to surrender. [[You order your men to kill all the men of military age, and seize the women and children to sell into slavery. They chose to resist; they should suffer the consequences.->Kill 'Em All!]] (either: "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Cut Off The Head]]", "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Self-Inflicted Wound]]")

There are signs that at least some of the Melians are considering your argument; there’s a lot of fierce discussion within the crowd. One of their leading men asks to speak in response. What is your decision? (either: "[[No, you’ve heard our ultimatum. Time to make up your minds.->Resistance]]", "[[No, you’ve heard our ultimatum. Time to make up your minds.->Resistance]]", "[[No, you’ve heard our ultimatum. Time to make up your minds.->Surrender]]", "[[No, you’ve heard our ultimatum. Time to make up your minds.->Resistance]]", "[[No, you’ve heard our ultimatum. Time to make up your minds.->Resistance]]") [[If you think you have an argument that will convince both us and your people, go ahead.->Principles]]

Your aggressive attitude is an affront to the pride of every Melian. They vote to fight; you are thrown out of the city, pursued by jeers and refuse, and they set about reinforcing their defences. The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help them. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always people willing to betray their leaders in the hope of reward – the Melians are compelled to surrender. [[You order your men to kill all the men of military age, and seize the women and children to sell into slavery. They chose to resist; they should suffer the consequences.|Kill 'Em All!]] (either: "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Cut Off The Head]]", "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Self-Inflicted Wound]]")

There’s clearly a great deal of unhappiness among the assembled Melians, but the assembly votes by a narrow majority to surrender to your forces. You set up the representatives of the democratic, pro-Athenian faction in the city as its new leaders, and tell them what they’ll now have to pay every year as subjects of the Athenian empire. In return, they get to live. The Athenian assembly is pleased with you and Tisias; that’s the sort of easy victory that they expect. You can hope for a more prestigious command next time – perhaps as part of the great expedition now being launched against Syracuse in Sicily, the next step towards Athens’ inevitable domination of the Greek world… [[Try again?->Continue]]

The Melian representative speaks eloquently of the proud history of the city, and its independence. "We may be a Spartan colony, but we have not joined their side in the war, and we have never done Athens any harm. How can it be just for you to put us in this position? If we win this debate and show that you’re in the wrong, you’ll destroy us anyway. If we give in, we become your slaves." There’s a lot of nodding in the crowd. How do you respond? (either: "[[We’ve no time for this sort of waffle. In the real world, the strong do what they can and the weak just have to endure it. Time to make up your minds: surrender or die.->Resistance]]", "[[We’ve no time for this sort of waffle. In the real world, the strong do what they can and the weak just have to endure it. Time to make up your minds: surrender or die.->Surrender]]", "[[We’ve no time for this sort of waffle. In the real world, the strong do what they can and the weak just have to endure it. Time to make up your minds: surrender or die.->Resistance]]", "[[We’ve no time for this sort of waffle. In the real world, the strong do what they can and the weak just have to endure it. Time to make up your minds: surrender or die.->Resistance]]") [[We Athenians believe in justice; we possess this empire because we defended Greece against the Persians. I’m willing to consider a compromise.->Compromise]] [[That’s just the way the world is. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism]]

“Let’s stick to practicalities,” you say. “We won’t make any fancy claims about us having a right to our empire because we defeated the Persians, and you face the facts: arguments about right and wrong depend on both parties involved being more or less equal. Otherwise it’s all about recognising who has the power to do what.” [[Continue->Pragmatism2]]

The Melians vote overwhelmingly to sign an agreement with you to remain neutral – though whether they’ll stick to that once your fleet has departed, especially if the Spartans turn up in force, remains to be seen. You withdraw your forces, over Tisias’ continued objections, and await new orders from Athens. When the message arrives, it’s a summons back to Athens to stand trial for treason. Tisias is appointed commander in your place, and ordered to make up for your weakness by ravaging some other cities. You have the stark choice between returning to Athens, probably to your death, or trying to escape into exile and dishonour… [[Try again?->Continue]]

“Very well,” says the Melian. “If you refuse to let us argue on the basis of principle, you should at least be able to see that there’s real advantage in showing pity on those weaker than you. What goes around comes around. When you find yourselves in this position, the retribution will be twice as hard because of the example you’ve set. People will say that you had it coming. And no neutral will ever trust you again.” How do you respond? (either: "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance]]", "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Gods]]", "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Spartans]]") (either: "[[This is getting us nowhere. We dictate; you accept. Time to decide.->Resistance]]", "[[This is getting us nowhere. We dictate; you accept. Time to decide.->Surrender]]", "[[This is getting us nowhere. We dictate; you accept. Time to decide.->Resistance]]") [[Actually you make a reasonable point. I’m willing to consider a compromise.->Compromise]]

“The truth is,” says Tisias, “that we’re far less worried about our enemies than our subjects and our so-called allies. We have to show that we’re strong, or they’ll think we’re weak. If we make an example of you, it shows that we mean business.” "So," you say, "have you got any better arguments to present?" [[Continue->Chance2]]

“We know that you’re stronger than us," says the Melian spokesman, "but things can go either way in a battle. Maybe the odds are more even than you’d expect from weighing up the two sides. If we give in now, we lose all hope; so long as we resist, we have something to hope for.” How do you respond? (either: "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Pragmatism3]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Gods2]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Spartans2]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Principles2]]") [[Well, you’re right that the outcome of a battle is always uncertain, and people on our side will die as well as yours. I’m willing to consider your proposal of neutrality.->Compromise2]] (either: "[[This is getting silly. Your people aren’t going to be persuaded by this sort of argument. Time to put this to a vote: do the sensible thing and surrender, or trust in hope.->Surrender]]", "[[This is getting silly. Your people aren’t going to be persuaded by this sort of argument. Time to put this to a vote: do the sensible thing and surrender, or trust in hope.->Resistance]]", "[[This is getting silly. Your people aren’t going to be persuaded by this sort of argument. Time to put this to a vote: do the sensible thing and surrender, or trust in hope.->Surrender]]")

“We’re defending our honour and standing up for what’s right," declares the Melian. "That counts for something. The gods will not place us at a disadvantage, since we are righteous men confronting a force of evil.” How do you respond to this claim? (either: "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Principles2]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism3]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance2]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Spartans2]]") (either: "[[Honour? What could be more dishonourable than losing everything because of your own stupidity? There’s no dishonour in submitting to a superior power that’s offering reasonable terms. Time to make up your minds before we change ours.->Resistance]]", "[[Honour? What could be more dishonourable than losing everything because of your own stupidity? There’s no dishonour in submitting to a superior power that’s offering reasonable terms. Time to make up your minds before we change ours.->Surrender]]", "[[Honour? What could be more dishonourable than losing everything because of your own stupidity? There’s no dishonour in submitting to a superior power that’s offering reasonable terms. Time to make up your minds before we change ours.->Surrender]]") [[I have to admit that our attitude is coming very close to hubris, and the gods always punish such behaviour. Very well, we can think about a compromise.->Compromise2]]

“You forget that we won't be fighting alone," declares the Melian representative." "We trust that the Spartans, our old allies, will come to our aid. They won’t want to see us fall into the hands of their enemies, but in any case it’s a matter of honour to come to the defence of your friends.” How do you respond? [[That’s a fair point; we don’t have a large enough force to fight off the Spartans as well. Maybe there’s something in their suggestion of neutrality.->Compromise2]] (either: "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Gods2]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Chance2]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Pragmatism3]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Principles2]]") (either: "[[There’s one sure recipe for success in this world: stand up to your equals, defer to your superiors and be moderate towards your inferiors. And know where you stand.” Time to make up your minds.->Surrender]]", "[[There’s one sure recipe for success in this world: stand up to your equals, defer to your superiors and be moderate towards your inferiors. And know where you stand. Time to make up your minds.->Resistance]]", "[[There’s one sure recipe for success in this world: stand up to your equals, defer to your superiors and be moderate towards your inferiors. And know where you stand. Time to make up your minds.->Surrender]]")

The eyes of the Melians light up as they sense the possibility of a compromise; they will agree to remain neutral, and Athens will leave them alone. Tisias is pulling at your tunic in alarm. “Are you crazy? We were sent here to capture Melos, by whatever means necessary. The Assembly will be furious, and all our subjects will start plotting revolt because they’ll see that we’re weak.” (either: "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Pragmatism3]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Gods2]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Principles2]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Chance2]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Spartans2]]") [[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]

"You do realise," says the Melian, "that you will make enemies of every state that is currently neutral; they'll see what is happening here, and will know that it's just a matter of time until you turn on them. So you'll be strengthening your existing enemies and making new ones." How do you respond? (either: "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Chance2]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Gods2]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Spartans2]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Principles2]]") (either: "[[They're not an immediate threat to us. But you could give other people dangerous ideas, if you don't agree to surrender immediately.->Resistance]]", "[[They're not an immediate threat to us. But you could give other people dangerous ideas, if you don't agree to surrender immediately.->Surrender]]", "[[They're not an immediate threat to us. But you could give other people dangerous ideas, if you don't agree to surrender immediately.->Surrender]]") [[Actually you make a reasonable point. Perhaps we can reach an agreement here.->Compromise2]]

The Melian speaker wants to return to questions of principle. "How can it be just as good for us to be your slaves as for you to be our masters?" "If you surrender, you save yourselves from disaster. We benefit by saving ourselves the trouble of having to destroy you." "And why can't we remain neutral, friends rather than enemies, but allied to neither side?" How do you answer? (either: "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Gods2]]", "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Spartans2]]", "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism3]]", "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Chance2]]") (either: "[[Because if we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Surrender]]", "[[Because if we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Resistance]]") [[That's a fair point. Sparta will lose an ally, without us having to expend time and effort in besieging your city. Let's discuss this further.->Compromise2]]

The Melians are infuriated by your aggressive attitude, and immediately vote to resist you. The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help them. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always people willing to betray their leaders in the hope of reward – the Melians are compelled to surrender. [[You order your men to kill all the men of military age, and seize the women and children to sell into slavery. They chose to resist; they should suffer the consequences.|Kill 'Em All!]] (either: "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Cut Off The Head]]", "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Self-Inflicted Wound]]")

"You must understand," says one of the Melians, "that you are offering us an impossible choice. We may be a Spartan colony, but we have not joined their side in the war, and we have never done Athens any harm. How can it be just for you to put us in this position? If we win this debate and show that you’re in the wrong, you’ll destroy us anyway. If we give in, we become your slaves." How do you respond? [[We’ve no time for this sort of waffle. In the real world, the strong do what they can and the weak just have to endure it. Time to make up your minds: surrender or die.->Resistance2]] [[We Athenians believe in justice; we possess this empire because we defended Greece against the Persians. I’m willing to consider a compromise.->Compromise3]] [[That’s just the way the world is. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism4]]

“Very well," says the Melian representative. “If you refuse to let us argue on the basis of principle, you should at least be able to see that there’s real advantage in showing pity on those weaker than you. What goes around comes around. When you find yourselves in this position, the retribution will be twice as hard because of the example you’ve set. People will say that you had it coming. And no neutral will ever trust you again.” How do you respond? (either: "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance3]]", "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Gods3]]", "[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Spartans3]]") [[This is getting us nowhere. We dictate; you accept. Time to decide.->Resistance3]] [[Actually you make a reasonable point. I’m willing to consider a compromise.->Compromise4]]

The Melian leaders need little time to reach their decision. “We are not, in a few minutes, going to sign away the freedom of a city that has been been proudly independent for more than 700 years. We will trust in the gods and in our fellow men, especially the Spartans.” You are escorted from the city, and they set about building up their defences. The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help them. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always people willing to betray their leaders in the hope of reward – the Melians are compelled to surrender. [[You order your men to kill all the men of military age, and seize the women and children to sell into slavery. They chose to resist; they should suffer the consequences.|Kill 'Em All!]] (either: "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Cut Off The Head]]", "[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.|Self-Inflicted Wound]]")

“We know that you’re stronger than us," says the Melian spokesman, "but things can go either way in a battle. Maybe the odds are more even than you’d expect from weighing up the two sides. If we give in now, we lose all hope; so long as we resist, we have something to hope for.” How do you respond? (either: "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Pragmatism6]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Gods4]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Spartans4]]", "[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something solid to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Principles3]]") [[Well, you’re right that the outcome of a battle is always uncertain, and people on our side will die as well as yours. I’m willing to consider your proposal of neutrality.->Compromise4]] [[This is getting silly. Your people would never agree to being slaughtered on the basis of this sort of argument. Time to put up or shut up: do the sensible thing and surrender, or trust in hope.->Resistance3]]

“We’re defending our honour and standing up for what’s right," declares the Melian. "That counts for something. The gods will not place us at a disadvantage, since we are righteous men confronting a force of evil.” How do you respond to this claim? (either: "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Principles3]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism6]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance4]]", "[[Why should the gods support you rather than us? It’s clearly a law of nature that anyone who has the upper hand will take advantage of it. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Spartans4]]") [[Honour? What could be more dishonourable than losing everything because of your own stupidity? There’s no dishonour in submitting to a superior power that’s offering reasonable terms. Time to make up your minds before we change ours.->Resistance3]] [[I have to admit that our attitude is coming very close to hubris, and the gods always punish such behaviour. Very well, we can think about a compromise.->Compromise4]]

“You forget that we won't be fighting alone," declares the Melian representative." "We trust that the Spartans, our old allies, will come to our aid. They won’t want to see us fall into the hands of their enemies, but in any case it’s a matter of honour to come to the defence of your friends.” How do you respond? [[That’s a fair point; we don’t have a large enough force to fight off the Spartans as well. Maybe there’s something in their suggestion of neutrality.->Compromise4]] (either: "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Gods4]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Chance4]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Pragmatism6]]", "[[The Spartans are men of great virtue and integrity when it comes to their own affairs, but in dealing with others, they’re pretty good at seeing justice and honour in terms of what furthers their interests. They’re not going to help you. Any other arguments?->Principles3]]") [[There’s one sure recipe for success in this world: stand up to your equals, defer to your superiors and be moderate towards your inferiors. And know where you stand.” Time to make up your minds.->Resistance3]]

"You do realise," says the Melian, "that you will make enemies of every state that is currently neutral; they'll see what is happening here, and will know that it's just a matter of time until you turn on them. So you'll be strengthening your existing enemies and making new ones." How do you respond? (either: "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Chance4]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Gods4]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Spartans4]]", "[[That's our problem; you need to concentrate on how you're going to save yourselves.->Principles3]]") [[They're not an immediate threat to us. But you could give other people dangerous ideas, if you don't agree to surrender immediately.->Resistance3]] [[Actually you make a reasonable point. Perhaps we can reach an agreement here.->Compromise4]]

The Melian speaker wants to return to questions of principle. "How can it be just as good for us to be your slaves as for you to be our masters?" "If you surrender, you save yourselves from disaster. We benefit by saving ourselves the trouble of having to destroy you." "And why can't we remain neutral, friends rather than enemies, but allied to neither side?" How do you answer? (either: "[[Your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Gods4]]", "[[Your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Spartans4]]", "[[Your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Pragmatism6]]", "[[Your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. Don't you have any better arguments?->Chance4]]") [[If we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Resistance3]] [[That's a fair point. Sparta will lose an ally, without us having to expend time and effort in besieging your city. Let's discuss this further.->Compromise4]]

The eyes of the Melians light up as they sense the possibility of a compromise; they will agree to remain neutral, and Athens will leave them alone. Tisias is pulling at your tunic in alarm. “Are you crazy? We were sent here to capture Melos, by whatever means necessary. The Assembly will be furious, and all our subjects will start plotting revolt because they’ll see that we’re weak.” (either: "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Pragmatism6]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Gods4]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Principles3]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Chance4]]", "[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Do they have any better arguments?->Spartans4]]") [[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]