Athenian individualism, democracy and intellectual enquiry are symbolic of the admirable in western civilisation, but the contribution of the Spartan ideals of martial prowess, the ordered society and the permanent subjugation of neighbouring peoples is often played down. Even fellow Greeks found them 'mad, bad and dangerous to know' and this study illuminates Sparta's unique formative circumstances and the characters that helped create the Spartan myth. As such it's a recommended primer to fascinating history.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 31 September 2005 ) |
