Pomegranate: IF(ἐάν)

A perfect representation of Spartan character. As Philip II of Macedon was conquering Greek city-states left and right, Sparta was left alone. Philip had achieved a crushing victory, and Sparta was relatively weak and without walls. Philip sent a message to the Spartans saying “If I invade Lakonia you will be destroyed, never to rise again.” The Spartans replied with one word, “If.” Ultimately, King Philip II avoided a direct confrontation with Sparta, likely because it was a poor region with minimal strategic value, according to War History Online. Neither Philip nor his son, Alexander the Great, attacked the Spartans during their reigns, respecting their legendary military reputation.