Join ancient historian Paul Cartledge, a renowned expert on Greek culture and author of "Thermopylae: The Battle That Changed the World," as he unpacks the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. Discover the rigorous training that forged the 300 Spartans into formidable warriors. Learn about the strategic alliances with Athens against Persia and the unique military tactics employed by the Spartans. Delve into the humor and bravery of these soldiers who stood against overwhelming odds, leaving a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of courage.
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Spartan Education System
Sparta uniquely provided public education for all male citizens, emphasizing military fitness and values like obedience and collaboration.
Though primarily military, Spartan education included reading, writing, and poetry, contradicting the common perception of them as purely brutish.
insights INSIGHT
Spartan Society and Leisure
Helots, with more rights than typical Greek slaves, handled all labor, allowing Spartan men to focus on military training and leisure.
This leisure wasn't idle; Spartans considered war the only legitimate work, emphasizing rituals and piety alongside military skill.
insights INSIGHT
Sparta's Relationship with other Greek City-States
Sparta, aiming to expand, faced defeat against Arcadians in the Fetters Battle but conquered Argos, another major Peloponnese power.
By 550 BC, Sparta became the dominant force in the Peloponnese and one of the two most powerful cities in mainland Greece.
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In *The Spartans*, Paul Cartledge provides a detailed analysis of Spartan society, tracing their origins, military tactics, and political system. He explores the unique role of women in Spartan society and examines the factors leading to Sparta's decline. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the Spartans, dispelling myths while reinforcing their enduring allure.
The Cambridge illustrated history of ancient Greece
Paul Cartledge
This book provides a detailed cultural history of ancient Greece, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people and examining the influences of environment, economy, myth, religion, art, culture, science, and education. It offers fresh interpretations of classical Greek culture, highlighting its far-reaching legacy in language, literature, art, and politics. Edited by Paul Cartledge, the book includes contributions from several experts in the field.
THERMOPYLAE: THE BATTLE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Paul Cartledge
In 'Thermopylae: The Battle that Changed the World', Paul Cartledge examines the pivotal Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where a small force of Spartans led by King Leonidas resisted the massive Persian army. Cartledge explores the battle's significance in shaping Western culture and its enduring legacy in modern times. The book provides a comprehensive view of the battle from both Greek and Persian perspectives, highlighting its influence on historical narratives and cultural identity.
for knowing the death which was about to come upon them by reason of those who were going round the mountain, they displayed upon the barbarians all the strength which they had, to its greatest extent, disregarding danger and acting as if possessed by a spirit of recklessness.
So wrote the Greek historian Herodotus, our main source as to what happened at the Battle of Thermopylae, clearly impressed by the bravery the Spartans showed in making a stand against multitudes of invading Persian warriors.
Even down to the present time, this legendary battle continues to capture our imagination, and my guest today will go beyond pop culture depictions of it, to describe what really led up to Thermopylae, how the epic clash that happened in a narrow coastal pass in Greece unfolded, and why it matters. His name is Paul Cartledge, and he's an ancient historian, professor of Greek culture, and the author of several books on Sparta, including Thermopylae: The Battle That Changed the World. At the start of the show, Paul describes Sparta's martial training system which allowed it to become a dominant power in Greece, the Spartans relationship with other city-states, and how they ended up partnering with their sometimes enemy, Athens, in repelling a second Persian invasion. We discuss who made up the famous 300 Spartan warriors who would defend the Grecian pass to the death, how they armed and prepared for combat, and what happened over three days of battle. We end our conversation with the importance of the Spartans' courageous stand at Thermopylae not only in the outcome of the Greco-Persian Wars, but the course of world history.
The Art of Manliness 
