[53] Now after these events it came about that each of these cities in turn gained the empire of the sea[55]—a power such that whichever state possesses it holds in subjection most of the states of Hellas.[56] As to their use of this power in general, I commend neither Athens nor Sparta; for one might find many faults with both. Nevertheless, in this supervision[57] the Athenians surpassed the Lacedaemonians no less than in the deeds which I have just mentioned.