When Socrates was serving as archon, he handled a case like this. In a naval battle near the Arginusae Islands between Athens and Sparta, Athens won a tremendous victory at the cost of fifteen warships, causing the enemy to lose more than seventy vessels.
But just as the battle ended, fierce winds and towering waves suddenly rose at sea, sending thirty Athenian warships to the bottom. Yet the officers in command failed to rescue the sailors who had fallen into the water, resulting in many deaths. At the citizens' assembly, the aristocratic faction exploited the emotions of the bereaved families and incited the execution of eight generals. Socrates voted against it.
The term "force majeure" was first used in the Napoleonic Code. Although the legal concept had existed long before that, Justinian's Civil Code contained many provisions concerning "force majeure."
"Come on, cheer up. Have a drink." As he spoke, Bougainville placed a bottle of wine on the small tea table.
This was Dom Pérignon Champagne that Talleyrand had prepared for the banquet. It was often served at Louis XIV's court.
"I don't drink, thank you," Georgiana refused.
"Have a taste." Bougainville uncorked the Champagne as he spoke, and a rich fruity fragrance immediately spread through the room.
The wine did smell tempting, but she wanted Butterbeer more. Magic turned the bitterness of hops into sweetness.
"I came alone to the edge of the woods," Bougainville said as he poured the wine. "There were twelve monkeys squatting in a tree, making strange faces. No animals are more amusing than monkeys."
"I heard you say earlier that you saw monkeys during the storm," Georgiana said.
"That was before the storm. Please let me finish." Bougainville set down the wine. "Try it. We could never drink such good wine while sailing."
"You