In "The Landmark Thucydides," the ancient world’s most tumultuous era is brought to life with unparalleled clarity and insight. Thucydides' account of the prolonged struggle between Athens and Sparta is more than a mere historical record; it is a profound meditation on the nature of human conflict, power, and diplomacy, rendered with an immediacy that transcends the ages. His narrative, though meticulously detailed, has often been a formidable challenge for modern readers, due to its dense and discontinuous style, and the cultural and historical context that contemporary audiences take for granted. This edition, masterfully edited by Robert Strassler, removes these barriers, offering not only a revitalized translation but also an array of supportive materials that illuminate the text’s rich historical background. Enhanced by comprehensive maps, insightful marginal notes, and concise biographical sketches, alongside appendices that delve into the military and political traditions of ancient Greece, "The Landmark Thucydides" ensures that this seminal work of Western history is accessible and engaging for today's reader. Strassler’s efforts have thus preserved Thucydides' vision of his work as a "possession for all time," reaffirming its status as an indispensable treasure of military, political, and philosophical wisdom.