I Have Sung The Praises Of Our City; But It Was The Courage And Gallantry Of These Men - And Of People Like Them - Which Made Her Splendid. Nor Would You Find It True In The Case Of Many Of The Greeks - As It Is True Of Them - That No Words Can Do More Than Justice To Their Deeds. Book 2 Pg. 148 Ch. 42

One of the ealiest works of recorded history, this is a historical account of the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), which was fought between the Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta) and the Delian League (led by Athens). It was written by Thucydides, an Athenian historian who also happened to serve as an Athenian general during the war.  The History is divided into eight books.