Question

The Melians argue that they are a neutral city and not an enemy, so Athens has no need to crush them. The Athenians counter that, if they accept the Melians' neutrality and independence, they would .......... , people would think .........

Answer 1

The Athenians countered the Melians' arguments for neutrality by expressing concerns that accepting neutrality would appear as a sign of Athenian weakness and encourage rebellion within their empire. This was part of the broader strategic and political considerations of power in the Greek world, exemplified by the history of the Athenian Empire and its alliances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Melian Dialogue reflects the discussions between the Athenians and the neutral city of Melos during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians argued that accepting Melian neutrality would show weakness and encourage other subject states to revolt. The Athenians believed it would undermine their empire by signaling that they were not strong enough to enforce their rule. On the other hand, the Melians maintained their stance of being a neutral city and not an enemy. The dialogue is part of the historical context surrounding the rise and fall of the Athenian Empire and the use of alliances, which at times brought the Greeks together to face common enemies, such as during the Persian Wars but also lead to internal conflicts such as the Peloponnesian War. The power dynamics within the Greek world at the time demonstrate the complexity and the double-edged nature of such alliances.