The book examines the extent to which "movement", in Greek κίνησις, is interpreted as a factor in historical events in Thucydides' historical work. It becomes clear that Thucydides understands the term processes that are beyond human control. However, those affected are rarely aware of this, and so Thucydides portrays the belief that people can influence the course of history as an illusion with far-reaching consequences. The most important of these was probably the unexpected defeat of powerful Athens in the conflict with its opponent Sparta. Therefore, Thucydides is not primarily concerned with a chronological and value-free presentation of historical events, but with showing how people deal with historical events.