The Fact Is That When Great Prosperity Comes Suddenly And Unexpectedly To A State - It Usually Breeds Arrogance; In Most Cases It Is Safer For People To Enjoy An Average Amount Of Success Rather Than Something Which Is Out Of All Proportional And It Is Easier - I Should Say - To Ward Off Hardship Than To Maintain Happiness. P. 215 Book 3 Chapter 39

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.