[48] The ancients painted on panel, not on canvass. Thus the Latin equivalent for ‘picture’ is tabula or tabella, words which may otherwise be used for a ‘plank.’
[49] From 431 to 406 (the year of which I am now writing). The eight years from 424-416, during which the peace of Nicias and the truce that followed it were in force, must be excepted.
[50] A day or two before the expedition started the pedestal statues of Hermes which stood at the street corners were broken down. Alcibiades was charged with being an accomplice in this outrage, refused an opportunity of defending himself, sent out in joint command, and recalled when the campaign was in progress.
[51] The Parelus was one of the two consecrated ships, (the other being the Salanimia) which were used for such purposes as the conveyance of ambassadors, the carrying of offerings to shrines, and, in case of need, the conveyance of important tidings. They were always manned with picked crews.
[52] The Peloponnesus or Island of Pelops.
[53] Deccleia was the fort established in Athenian territory by the Peloponnesians early in the war and used as their headquarters during their annual invasion of the country.
[54] The Long Walls were the great strength of Athens. They joined the harbor of the Piraeus to the city.
[55] Xenophon distinctly says that he lingered with Lysander, waiting for the time when the Athenians, at the last pinch of starvation, should be ready to accept any terms that might be offered.
[56] Sellasia was a town on the border where the previous embassy had been bidden to wait till the Ephors could be communicated with.
[57] The class name of the Athenian nobility.