1. Prophets or seers (see p. 107 n. 2) formed part of a general’s staff. Plato may intend an allusion to Nicias’ excessive reliance on his prophets, notably when in the summer of 413 he delayed the retreat from Syracuse for three weeks on their advice, a move which led to the destruction of the Athenian army and Nicias’ own death. Thucydides VII.50, and Plutarch, Life of Nicias 23, have the story.