As introduced by, Suresht Bald: “Without openly attacking the other, each used persuasion, coercion, und subversion to strengthen itself and weaken its rival. This struggle for hegemony by Athens and Sparta…” or the Worlds currently developing, East/West Hegemonic dilemma; which “is felt most acutely by small, hitherto “independent” states that were now being forced to take side in the bipolar World… One such State was Melos… After strategically positioning their powerful fleet… [Envoys were sent, and a commission was held with the Athenians, where to be discussed was their surrender to the hegemonic protection of Athens; whose main purpose was trying to ‘save the face of the hegemony’ — “but also to improve their image and thus security.”
