The Melos Massacre

In 416 B.C. the Athenians were attempting to expand the boundries of their empire. They put their sights on Melos, a neutral city-state. The Athenians tried to convince Melos that it was in best intrest for both parties as Athens would protect Melos. They also claimed that because Athens was stronger than Melos they should rule over them by the law of the Gods. Melos felt threatened by this and chose to side with Sparta and ask them for support. In retaliation, Athens slaughtered every man in Melos. Because of this many other neutral city-states alligned with Sparta.