The Athenians developed democracy to a higher level than all other states before modern times. Their democracy was also without a doubt the cultural innovator of its age. When we think of this city, however, what does not often come to mind is war. Yet, war was the flipside of these political and cultural successes. Classical Athens calls into question the belief that democracy leads to peace. For us classical Athens must therefore serve as a warning. Democratic institutions do not automatically make us pacifists.
