In 416 BC in its war against Sparta, Athens instructed the fleet to break the small island of Melos’ alliance with its enemy. Melos: Whatever we say or do, it looks as if we will face either war or slavery. Athens: If that is your attitude, we may as well stop now. Melos: We put our trust in the gods and Sparta. Athens: It is a law of nature that gods and men rule wherever they can.