L'ambasceria ateniese a Susa (367 a.C.)

Information on the negotiations in Susa mainly derives from Xenophon (Hellenica 7.1.33-38) and Plutarch (Pelopidas 30-31.1; Artox. 22.8-12) whose accounts are very different. Despite his biases, Xenophon is the only source which enables the reconstruction of the Athenian embassy in political, and not exclusively moralistic, terms. Xenophon focuses on the hegemonic claims of Thebes, on her difficult relations with allies and her contraposition with Athens. Thebes acts on her own behalf, in an anti-Hellenic and pro-Persian perspective. His information is of Athenian origin. Differently, according to Plutarch Thebes acts in an exclusively anti-Spartan and pan-Hellenic perspective, showing no concession to the Persians; there is no trace of Theban tensions with Athens and her Peloponnesian allies; the role of Athens is not emphasized. His information probably derives from Theban sources. Xenophon’s information appears to be the most qualitatively significant. He furnishes a detailed, strictly political account, without introducing anecdotic elements or moralistic remarks. Furthermore, Xenophon is the only source of detailed information on the Athenian ambassadors. The historian contraposes the traitor Timagoras to Leon, a member of the anti-Theban party and probably, like Xenophon (cf. Suda s.v. Timagoras), a supporter of the alliance between Athens and Sparta. Xenophon’s reconstruction is favourable to Leon, who is probably also his source of information.