In Greek history, Hegetorides was a citizen of Thasos during the Peloponnesian War with Athens (c. 431-404 BC). When he saw that his city was besieged by Athenian forces and that there was a law declaring death to anyone who spoke of peace, he went into the agora with a rope tied around his neck. He told his fellow citizens to do whatever they wished with him, provided that they saved the city from the starvation and death that the continued war promised. The Thasians were shocked from their determination, sued for peace, and pardoned Hegetorides.

Source

• See also: Pacifism, Civil disobedience, Non-violent resistance

Ancient Greeks | Anti-war activists | Pacifists