Pros And Cons Of The Delian League

If one found themselves in Ancient Greece having to face the possibility of entering the Delian League with Athens, there would be much doubt. This class debate focused on pros and cons of the ancient Delian League and which direction would be most beneficial for the citizens. While the Delian League’s main purpose was to protect its members, much of the money went towards preparing the cities incase of another attack from the Persians. As seen in the debate, this association had its positive effects of the Greek city-states, but some may have suffered from the new organization. While this debate was successful at showing both sides when it comes to the Delian League, much of the information and arguments were repeated numerous times. Aside …show more content…
The most effective oratory techniques displayed during this debate were the use of pathos, and ethos. The first oratory technique that was utilized by the majority of speakers was pathos. There was a large number of speakers who were against the Delian League who decided to try to sway the audience by using emotions and values. For example, one character was a middle class, pregnant, Greek, women whose husband left for war. She unfortunately, due to her lack in education, has no skills to support her herself. She asked for pity from the audience, stating she could never support her family by paying to be part of the Delian League. This was a great way to reach the audience and make each individual think about the members of their polis which would be negatively affected by the association. On the other hand, the group which …show more content…
Aside from some lack in proof in the debates, the characters individuals used did positively enforce the arguments. Some characters such as military men and aristocrat men are more credible in a debate about Ancient Greece. Having the credibility during a debate makes the audience more willing to listen to the points being presented. The first group has the aristocratic man say the Delian League will create a hostile environment and stretch the city-state’s resources thin. If a poor merchant had said this while trying to argue against the League, the statement would not be as valid due the character’s lack of education and credibility. The individuals in this debate, rather than only using these types of characters, those who picked less credible during this time utilized pathos to defend their arguments. One example which wrapped up the debate perfectly was the oracle. In Ancient Greece, individuals believed the oracles gave them instructions based on what the gods wanted them to do. The oracle finishes the debate stating the Delian League was a not necessary and the Persians’ numbers had diminished. This was a very effective way in ending the debate with ethos. To the ancient Greeks the oracle was the most credible source since it was the Gods’ words, making its arguments the most justified to