This Is The Way We Won Our Empire - And This Is The Way All Empires Have Been Won- By Coming Vigorously To The Help Of All Who Ask For It - Irrespective Of Whether They Are Hellenes Or Not. Certainly If Everyone Were To Remain Inactive Or Go In For Racial Distinctions When It Is A Question Of Giving Assistance We Should Add Very Little To Our Empire And Should Be More Likely To Risk Losing It All Together. 6.18 - Pg. 421

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.