Since we would be on the defense, we do not have to beat you in battle, but we only have to not lose the fight long enough in order for attrition and fatigue to set in to your army. Plus, as an island city we can better defend your attacks making it a long, difficult siege for your army. Why waste the lives of the numerous soldiers that would be killed in battle just for you to subdue a nation that does not pose any threat towards you. Additionally, the city of Melos is not rich in resources, and we are too far South to be a strategic location. Our destruction will not change the Peloponnesian War in any way! Another important thing to remember is that we are kin of Sparta and they would be quick to come to our aid in the event of an Athenian attack. Even though you suggest this makes us not
Since we would be on the defense, we do not have to beat you in battle, but we only have to not lose the fight long enough in order for attrition and fatigue to set in to your army. Plus, as an island city we can better defend your attacks making it a long, difficult siege for your army. Why waste the lives of the numerous soldiers that would be killed in battle just for you to subdue a nation that does not pose any threat towards you. Additionally, the city of Melos is not rich in resources, and we are too far South to be a strategic location. Our destruction will not change the Peloponnesian War in any way! Another important thing to remember is that we are kin of Sparta and they would be quick to come to our aid in the event of an Athenian attack. Even though you suggest this makes us not