Welcome to The Melian Dilemma, a game in which you can explore the original world of ruthless power politics: ancient Greece.
Before you begin, there are two things you should note. Firstly, there is no single right way to play the game; rather, you need to decide what your goal should be, and how best to achieve it. Some victories may be hollow; some defeats may be victories, if you value honour more than life. And certainly it's up to you whether you try to play in an authentic ancient Greek manner, or play instead as yourself.
Secondly, the game is not completely fixed; the same decision may have several different consequences, and if you play the game several times you could make the same decisions and still end up in a different place.
[[Continue->Introduction]]
<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/4.0/80x15.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" href="http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/InteractiveResource" property="dct:title" rel="dct:type">The Melian Dilemma</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://philome.la/NevilleMorley/the-melian-dilemma" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Neville Morley</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a>.You are one of the commanders of the Athenian force. You have been ordered by the Assembly of the People to take control of Melos – but it’s up to you to decide how to fulfil this mission.
You land on Melos without resistance and set up camp. Within an hour, a delegation arrives from the city and asks for an audience. 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. What is your decision?
[[That seems reasonable; the fewer people involved the better. Ordinary citizens will get carried away with emotion and act irrationally.->Private Discussions]]
[[I think we have the best chance of getting what we want if we address everyone.->Public Debate]]
[[No, this issue affects all the people of Melos, and should be discussed in front of all of them.->Public Debate]]You are the ruling elite of the city of Melos: its foremost citizens, destined for power through your noble birth, enormous talents and infinite virtue. All the common people look to you for guidance - especially now that an Athenian invasion force has landed on your shores and is demanding the surrender of the city, on pain of massacre. Suddenly power seems like a heavy responsibility. What to do?
(set: $times to it + 1)
[[Surrender. We're vastly outnumbered, and the situation is clearly hopeless.->Surrender5]]
[[Fight! It's the only language such bullies understand!->Fight]]
[[Perhaps we should try to persuade them...->Negotiate]]You 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?
[[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]]
[[We're prepared to listen to your arguments, so long as you have something reasonable to say.->Principles3a]]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]]
[[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]]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?
[[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!]]
[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Cut Off The Head]]
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?
[[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]]
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; 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…
Perhaps now you should see how this looks from the [[Melian perspective…->Contact]]
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 – perhaps 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…
Perhaps now you should see how this looks from the [[Melian perspective…->Contact]]
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. Some of your fellow commanders seem alarmed, however, and one junior officer speaks up: “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.”
[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Don't they have any better arguments?->Pragmatism]]
[[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]“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.”
“Very well,” says the Melian. “Even if you refuse to let us argue on principle, you must 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 – they'll see what's happening here, and will know that it's just a matter of time until you turn on them too."
How do you respond?
[[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]]
(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]]")
[[Actually you make a reasonable point. I’m willing to consider a compromise.->Compromise2]]
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 the continued objections of many of your own men, and await new orders from Athens.
When the message arrives, it’s a summons back to Athens to stand trial for treason. You have the stark choice between returning to Athens, probably to your death, or trying to escape into exile and dishonour…
Perhaps now you should see how this looks from the [[Melian perspective…->Contact]]
Unless you want to [[try again…->Opening]]
“The truth is,” you say, “that we’re far less worried about our enemies than our subjects. 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, have you got any better arguments to present?"
“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?
[[Hope? Always a great comfort in danger. Not a problem if you’ve got something to back it up, but if all you’ve got is hope… Have you nothing better to suggest?->Gods]]
[[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]]")
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; 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…
Perhaps now you should see how this looks from the [[Melian perspective…->Contact]]
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. Some of your fellow commanders seem alarmed, however, and one junior officer speaks up: “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.”
[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Don't they have any better arguments?->Principles2]]
[[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]“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?
[[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?->Spartans]]
(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]]")
[[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]]
[[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 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. And if we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Surrender]]", "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. And if we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Resistance]]", "[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. And if we fail to destroy you, others will think that we are weak. Time to decide.->Surrender]]")
[[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 leap to their feet in anger. “We are not going to sign away the freedom of a city that has been proudly independent for more than 700 years! We will trust in the gods and in our fellow men! You’ll regret this, you arrogant imperialist swine!”
How do you respond?
[[You must be the only people on earth who think the future is clearer than what’s right in front of you. You’re staking everything on your trust in the Spartans, in chance, and in hope. And you’re going to lose.->Resistance3]]
[[All right, simmer down. We’ll listen, if you have something worth saying.->Principles3a]]
“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 – 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?
[[All you're offering is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance2]]
[[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.->Compromise3]]
“I don’t think I’ve heard anything that will reassure your people about their chances of survival,” you say, but the Melians have had enough, and storm out of the room. As you are escorted out of the city, you can hear them announcing to the people that the Athenians have refused every reasonable compromise, and resistance is the only way forward.
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!]]
[[You order your men to kill the Melian leaders but spare everyone else.->Cut Off The Head]]
“The truth is,” you say, “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, have you got any better arguments to present?"
“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?
[[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]]
[[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 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.->Resistance3]]
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. Some of your fellow commanders seem alarmed, however, and one junior officer speaks up: “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.”
[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Don't they have any better arguments?->Pragmatism2]]
[[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]
“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.”
“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 – 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?
[[Come on, all you're offering us is speculation about what might happen, not what is happening. Don’t you have any better arguments?->Chance2]]
[[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 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. Some of your fellow commanders seem alarmed, however, and one junior officer speaks up: “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.”
[[That’s a fair point. Self-interest trumps justice every time. Don't they have any better arguments?->Principles4]]
[[No, we have to do the right thing.->Neutrality]]
“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?
[[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]]
[[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]]
[[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?->Principles4]]
[[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]]
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?
[[Because your hatred is evidence of our power, especially in the eyes of our subjects. And 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 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."
“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->Principles3]]“We are not going to sign away the freedom of a city that has been proudly independent for more than 700 years!" you proudly declare. "We will trust in the gods and in our fellow men! And we will make those arrogant imperialists regret that they ever messed with little Melos!"
[[Continue->Fight 2]]You despatch ambassadors to meet the Athenian commanders; they return with the message that the Athenians will be quite happy to address the assembled citizens to explain why surrender is clearly the most sensible option for them. This doesn't seem promising - the people can scarcely be trusted to make the right decision on principle, but will simply follow their own selfish interests - but it's not clear whether you have a choice.
[[Reluctantly you accept the Athenian proposal, and call an assembly of the citizens.->Public]]
[[Surely the Athenians would prefer to negotiate with the leading men of the city? You request a private meeting.->Private]]Melos has been proudly independent for centuries - until now. As the city gates are opened and the Athenian troops march in, there are a few jeers from the citizens - but also some who actually seem to welcome the invaders, simply because of their support for popular power rather than the rule of the few.
Most simply seem relieved to have been spared a siege, and probably worse - not that they have any thanks for their rulers, who chose to place the lives of the population above their honour and sovereignty. Ungrateful lot. It's almost a relief when the Athenians decide to execute you and the other members of the ruling council, and replace your rule with one of those vulgar and irrational democracies...
Time for [[another try->Contact]]?
Perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...The citizens are agitated; fearful, angry, uncertain. You introduce the Athenian generals and let them speak:
"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."
[[Continue->Public 2]]The Athenians agree to meet with you and your fellow nobles in private - smirking as they do so. "We know you're only doing this because you're afraid we'd easily persuade everyone if we were allowed to address them," says one, "or because you want to say things to us that you're afraid to say in public."
These people have no respect for diplomatic niceties. What's the best way to reason with them?
[[Surely they will listen to arguments from principle and the common traditions of the Greeks - what they're proposing is wrong!->Principle5]]
[[It's clearly a waste of time to appeal to ethics and values; we need to talk to them in their own language.->Pragmatism3]]
You speak eloquently of the proud history of Melos, and its tradition of 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."
[[Continue->Principle6]]“Very well,” you say. “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 – 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."
[[Continue->Pragmatism4]]
“We’re defending our honour and standing up for what’s right," you declare. "That counts for something. The gods will not place us at a disadvantage, since we are righteous men confronting a force of evil.”
The Athenian rolls his eyes.
"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. We didn't invent that law, and you'd do exactly the same in our position. I really don't think I've heard anything that would reassure your citizens about their safety."
[[Continue->Piety 2]]“You forget that we won't be fighting alone," you say. "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.”
The Athenians look unimpressed.
"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. And even if they did, we're easily a match for them."
[[Continue->Politics 2]]“We know that you’re stronger than us," you say, "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.”
The Athenians laugh.
"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?"
[[Continue->Chance 4]]"We can see that all arguments from principle are in vain," you say. "All we can offer you is something you can take anyway, and kill us."
"True," says the Athenian. "But we'd happily spare ourselves the effort of taking it, if you're willing to be reasonable."
"But if we surrender, you don't get to sack the city. Your troops may not be too happy about that. And you'd probably still kill us, as the leaders of the oligarchy."
"Also true."
[[Continue->Sellout 3]]As the ship carrying you, your fellow oligarchs, your families and slaves and as much portable wealth as they can carry slips out of the harbour, you can hear the cries of alarm from the city, and see the first flames as the Athenian troops move from house to house. Well, they never appreciated your nobility and benevolence anyway. Who knows, perhaps in a few years the tide of the war will turn and you'll have the chance to recapture the city; in the meantime, you live to enjoy another day.
Perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...The siege lasts several months, but there is little doubt about the outcome; there was never any likelihood that anyone would come to help you, and the gods are unhelpfully absent. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always some grubby little democrats willing to betray their rulers in the hope of reward – you are compelled to surrender. The Athenian troops run riot in the streets of Melos; those of the population who are not killed get sold into slavery.
Time for [[another try->Contact]]?
Or perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...As you feared, the people are easily swayed by the words of the cunning Athenians. When you and some of your fellow oligarchs try to speak against this abject betrayal of the city's noble traditions of independence and sovereignty, they have the nerve to vote to install a democracy instead, and to send their noble rulers into exile! But perhaps there will be an opportunity in future for revenge..?
Time for [[another try->Contact]]?
Perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...The Athenians seem completely unimpressed. “Let’s stick to practicalities,” they 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.”
[[There's no point in arguing with these maniacs - this is not how civilised Greeks behave!->Fight]]
[[They're leaving us no choice but to discuss the issues on their debased terms.->Pragmatism3]]“The truth is,” say the Athenians, “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, have you got any better arguments to present?"
What sort of argument is worth trying with these arrogant maniacs?
[[Surely they must have some respect for the gods?->Piety]]
[[They must recognise political realities->Politics]]
[[They shouldn't be so confident...->Chance3]]"But if we were to declare that we'll defy you, but then escape from your siege in a ship leaving the back gate unlocked..."
The Athenians smirk at you cynically. They see right through you.
Are you sure you want to go through with this idea?
[[No, too much evil. We'll all go down together.->Fight]]
[[No, as a virtuous aristocrat my highest duty is to the city and its people. We surrender, and accept the consequences.->Surrender5]]
[[Yes, why should I suffer for the ignorant masses?->Sellout2]]These Athenians have no respect for the gods, for virtue or for humanity. They simply can't be reasoned with!
[[There's no point in arguing any more. We will trust in the gods, and defy you!->Fight]]
[[There's no point in arguing if you reduce everything to a question of your superior power. With a heavy heart, we give in.->Surrender5]]
[[We can't save the city - but maybe we can save our own skins...->Sellout]]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.
(set: $times to 1)
Do you want to take the part of the [[Athenians->Opening]]?
Or the part of the [[Melians->Contact]]?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 is trying 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.
[[Continue->Choice]]The attitude of the Athenians is unbelievable - surely the gods should strike them down where they stand! But nothing happens. How can you persuade people who are convinced that they have a divine right to do whatever they like to others?
[[They may be arrogant and godless, but they must recognise political realities->Politics]]
[[They think they know everything, but they shouldn't be so confident...->Chance3]]
[[This is hopeless...->Endgame]]These Athenians think that everyone is like them, concerned only with self-interest - and convinced that it's in their interest to do whatever they like to others. How can you reason with them?
[[All humans fear the gods - surely even these men?->Piety]]
[[They think they know everything, but they shouldn't be so confident...->Chance3]]
{(if: $times > 3)[[[This is hopeless...->Endgame 2]]](else:)[[[This is hopeless...->Endgame]]]}The attitude of the Athenians is unbelievable - to reduce everything to a crude calculation of power, with absolute confidence that they can foresee everything. How can you persuade people who are so convinced of their absolute mastery of events?
[[They may not believe in hope, or chance - but surely they have some respect for the power of the divine?->Piety]]
[[They may be utterly arrogant, but they must recognise political realities->Politics]]
[[This is hopeless...->Endgame]]These Athenians have no respect for the gods, for virtue or for humanity. They simply can't be reasoned with! If only the Spartans would come to teach them a lesson...
(either: "[[There's no point in arguing any more. We will trust in the gods, and defy you!->Fight]]", "[[There's no point in arguing any more. We will trust in the gods, and defy you!->Fight 3]]")
[[There's no point in arguing if you reduce everything to a question of your superior power. With a heavy heart, we give in.->Surrender5]]
[[We can't save the city - but maybe we can save our own skins...->Sellout]]“We are not going to sign away the freedom of a city that has been proudly independent for more than 700 years!" you proudly declare. "We will trust in the gods and in our fellow men! And we will make those arrogant imperialists regret that they ever messed with little Melos!"
The Athenians roll their eyes and head back to their camp to start preparing for what they assume will be a short, easy siege. You call the people of the city to arms and order them to gather supplies and then barricade every gate - and you despatch messengers to Sparta, to beg them for aid in the name of the gods and your long-standing friendship.
(either: "[[Continue->Fight 2]]", "[[Continue->Fight 4]]")The siege has already last for more than a month, and the people are starting to get restless, when some ships are sighted - not Athenian reinforcements, as you initially feared, but a detachment of Corinthian triremes, carrying Spartan and allied troops under the command of a general called Gyllipus. The Spartans have heeded your desperate plea - and for once they were not too busy holding a religious festival to despatch some forces. Successfully evading Athenian patrols, they have reached Melos, and after a short skirmish they succeed in landing; Gyllipus takes command, and starts strengthening your defences and planning a counter-attack against the Athenians.
(either: "[[Continue->Fight 5]]", "[[Continue->Fight 6]]")Gyllipus' plan is bold, and might have succeeded if he had more Spartan hoplites at his command - but the Spartans are always reluctant to despatch too many of their own men overseas. The allied troops are less effective in every way, and your people are starved and exhausted. The Athenians beat off the attack, and at the same time destroy most of the Corinthian ships. You are all now trapped in the city.
The siege continues for another month, but there's no more help coming, and the end is inevitable. With the assistance of some treachery – in any city there are always some grubby little democrats willing to betray their rulers in the hope of reward – you are compelled to surrender. Gyllipus is executed, and his forces are seized for ransom. The Athenian troops run riot in the streets of Melos; those of the population who are not killed get sold into slavery.
Time for [[another try->Contact]]?
Or perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...Gyllipus' plan is bold, with the element of surprise, and the small number of Spartan hoplites at his command - the Spartans are always reluctant to despatch too many of their men overseas - is just enough to tip the balance. The Athenians retreat from their camp back towards their ships; faced with the loss of most of their supplies, and the risk of being trapped, they withdraw from Melos. The city is saved!
So there were grounds for hope after all, whatever the Athenians claimed! But you will never know how close you might have come to disaster, gambling the safety of the whole city on your trust in the Spartans and on the chances of battle...
Perhaps you should see how things look from the [[Athenian perspective->Opening]]...