"Liberty was not simply the bond between ancient allies; nor was it only the symbol of liberal ideas of justice and freedom; it was also the motive force that had peopled the wilderness and made the country that emerged what it was".
But for all that, it is less a critical study than an attempt to enlist the ancient writer as an ally for the modern theologian.
It has twice in the past half-century brought Greece and Turkey, ancient rivals and NATO allies, to the brink of war.
Social War, also called Italic War, or Marsic War, (90 89 bc), rebellion waged by ancient Rome's Italian allies (socii) who, denied the Roman franchise, fought for independence.
Paris and Berlin are considering plans for a "union of France and Germany" which would allow the two allies, and ancient enemies, to merge their foreign and defence polities and co-operate more closely on education and the economy.
The moralists had as allies the ancient and modern theoreticians of the balance of trade, who saw the commerce in spices draining precious silver out of Europe (and, after the 16th century, the Americas) into the Indies.
The Nubians were variously both rivals and allies of the ancient Egyptians and adopted many of their rituals, including burying kings, queens and nobles in pyramid tombs.
But between that grim trio stands Ethiopia, America's hope.This ancient country has become an essential ally of America in the "war on terror".
Its ancient chairman, Tsuneo Watanabe, is an ally of Mr Yosano; the paper has been notably kinder to Mr Kan since the former LDP finance minister joined the cabinet.No one predicts a smooth ride between now and June.
He thus became allied by marriage to the ancient royal dynasty of Leon.
