The development of relations between Athens and the three islands which played a leading role in the foundation of the Delian league and, according to Aristotle, were afterwards regarded by her as the 'guards' of her empire has not received as much attention as it deserves in studies of Athenian imperialism. How did democratic Athens attempt to retain the loyalty of these islands? To what extent did she interfere in their internal affairs? In their turn, what factors influenced them in their relations with Athens? In particular, why did they not at any time combine against her? Trevor Quinn seeks answers to these and other questions and argues that at the root of the relationship which Athens had with each of the three islands was a clear understanding that they were joined by a coincidence of interests and little more. - Dust jacket.