Socrates
Historical Figure
Nationality:	Athens
Religion:	Polytheism
Date of Birth:	c. 469 BC
Date of Death:	399 BC
Cause of Death:	Execution (forced ingestion of hemlock)
Occupation:	Philosopher, Educator, Soldier
Spouse:	Xanthippe
Turtledove Appearances:

Socrates (also Sokrates c. 469 BC-399 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher who is widely credited for laying the foundation for Western philosophy, and is held as its most influential practitioner. He was also a soldier of some skill. Socrates is an enigmatic figure known only through the classical accounts of his students. Plato's dialogues are the most comprehensive accounts of Socrates to survive from antiquity.

Socrates' criticism of the Athenian status quo at the time of the Peloponnesian War appears to have led to his death. Socrates was tried for corrupting the youth of Athens and for disbelieving the Gods. He was condemned to death, and forced to drink hemlock.

Literary CommentEdit

The impact of Socrates on the Western world is such that he is frequently referenced in all manner of literature, including several works of Harry Turtledove. Such references are usually fleeting, and rarely provide insight to the world Turtledove is depicting in any given story. Therefore, Socrates' role in "The Daimon", in which he is a prominent character, is the only in-depth analysis Socrates will receive at this wiki.

Socrates in "The Daimon"Edit

In 415 BC, Sokrates concluded that his daimon was telling him to join Alkibiades' expedition to Sicily during the Peloponnesian War. Although his followers tried to disuade him, he nonetheless heeded his daimon and joined.

On the eve of the Athenian attack on Syracuse, representatives from Athens arrived to demand Alkibiades return to the polis. Alkibiades wavered, and even contemplated fleeing to Athens' enemy Sparta. However, after talking to Sokrates, Alkibiades instead attacked Syracuse. After a bloody battle which nearly cost Sokrates his life, Syracuse fell. Sokrates and the army then invaded and destroyed Sparta itself.

When Alkibiades' army returned to Athens, they were ordered to surrender their arms before entering the city. Sokrates saw no value in fighting his fellow Athenians, and so happily surrendered his arms. The other soliders, fiercely loyal to Alikibiades, followed his lead, taking the city late one night.

Sokrates was dismayed by Alkibiades' seizure of power. However, it was not until two of his own students, Kritias and Aristokles, were killed that Sokrates decided to publically decry Alikibiades as a tyrant. Alkibiades ordered Sokrates arrested and brought before him that very night. Alkibiades demanded Sokrates drink hemlock. Sokrates refused, and attacked Alkibiades. Alkibiades' guards attacked and beat Sokrates to death.