The ancient Greek historians (Harvard lectures) by J. B. Bury.

III THUCYDIDES 91
His first consideration was accuracy; he had to
follow events and not to mould them into correspondence with an artistic plan, and his strict chronological order excluded devices of arrangement. But
occasionally we can detect deliberate management
for the sake of a calculated effect. It may be
pointed out that the long section on the origin and
growth of the Athenian empire, placed where it
is, between the two Assemblies at Sparta, has the
effect of interrupting a series of speeches which
coming together would have been excessively long.
Again, it has been well shown by WilamowitzM6llendorff how the delays of Archidamus, in the
first invasion of Attica, in the hope that Athens
might give in at the last moment, are reflected in
the form of the narrative, which is arranged to
produce the impression of a slow and halting
march; and the archaeological deviation into the
early history of Athens has the value of assisting
in this artistic effect.
~ 3. iMlodern criticisms on his competence
In common with other ancient historians,
Thucydides may be taken to task for not having
recognised the part played in human affairs by
economic facts and commercial interests. That he
was not blind to economic conditions is shown by
the leading significance he attributes to want of
material resources in the ecrly Greek communities;
and he fully realises the importance of finance.
But it may be said that he should have furnished a