What do you think?
Rate this book
Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece
From an award-winning historian, the definitive history of classical Greece and the rivalry of its two greatest cities
No period has more profoundly influenced the Western world than classical Greece, and at its center stood two cities: Athens and Sparta. Side by side, they beat the Persians, the only superpower of that age. Yet later, they spread conflict and destruction throughout the eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the horrors of the Peloponnesian War.
Athens and Sparta tells the definitive history of the relationship between brutal, militaristic Sparta and brash, radically democratic Athens. Eminent historian Adrian Goldsworthy narrates their incredible rise to prominence and how they became allies, rivals, and enemies. Ultimately, Goldsworthy shows that Athens and Sparta were more than competitors vying for power. They were polar opposites in ideology and culture, both driven by the Greek longing to excel, who led radically different experiments in how to run a state.
A remarkable account of ancient Greece at its height, this is the tale of the two cities that helped build it--before almost tearing it apart.
No period has more profoundly influenced the Western world than classical Greece, and at its center stood two cities: Athens and Sparta. Side by side, they beat the Persians, the only superpower of that age. Yet later, they spread conflict and destruction throughout the eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the horrors of the Peloponnesian War.
Athens and Sparta tells the definitive history of the relationship between brutal, militaristic Sparta and brash, radically democratic Athens. Eminent historian Adrian Goldsworthy narrates their incredible rise to prominence and how they became allies, rivals, and enemies. Ultimately, Goldsworthy shows that Athens and Sparta were more than competitors vying for power. They were polar opposites in ideology and culture, both driven by the Greek longing to excel, who led radically different experiments in how to run a state.
A remarkable account of ancient Greece at its height, this is the tale of the two cities that helped build it--before almost tearing it apart.
640 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Adrian Goldsworthy
49 books1,620 followersAdrian Goldsworthy, born in 1969, is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including biographies of Julius Caesar and Augustus. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries for the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the UK.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 3, 2026
The book principally focuses on the story of Athens and Sparta from the 6th century BC to the end of the Peloponnesian War in 404BC. It provides an introduction to what we know about the organisation of these societies and their interactions - mainly military - with the wider Greek world and the Persians. Personally I found the information on Sparta the most enlightening as I was largely unfamiliar with it. That said there doesn’t appear to be masses of evidence on Sparta because, as the author notes, the Spartans were a more secretive society than the Athenians. As I indicate above there is an extraordinary amount of conflict described in the book. So if you aren’t keen on war stories then this may not be for you. Ultimately tho the book does clearly set out how these two city states came to dominate and what happened when Athenian democracy fell into the hands of demagogues who sought to make Athens great again but who only antagonised their allies and conducted unnecessary and unwise military adventures leading to the destruction of their empire and collapse of the city following the defeat by the Spartans in 404BC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Basic Books for this review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Basic Books for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley of "Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece" by Adrian Goldsworthy in exchange for this review. As soon as I downloaded this book, I had to start reading it, not only is it a book that covers one of my favourite periods of history, but the author is one of my favourite historians. I am glad to say that I was not disappointed!
According to the publisher the hardback edition runs to 640 pages (Ebook - 480 pages with 2 x 8 Col. plates & 15 maps). The subtitle of the book is the best description of what is in between the covers - 'The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece' - which the author describes in an easy to read and interesting narrative.
Adrian Goldsworthy explains at the beginning of the book that he views some of the original sources with a healthy scepticism as required. He does not totally discount this material, but he makes the point that nothing is really know for certain about some subjects and he provides the best summary based on all the evidence available to the historian.
This is a great story of the rise of Athens and Sparta, how their societies functioned, how politics and warfare were viewed by both and how both tried to dominate the region to their benefit.
This is the author describing early hoplite warfare and the phalanx: "At times one side of the other flinched at the last minute, turning to flee before a blow was struck, sometimes dubbed a 'tearless battle'. More often their resolution held. Some individuals kept running and tried to drive a spear through or past the opponent's shield or knock him over. Others may have slowed down and approached with more care before they struck. Either way the noise was enormous, especially for men living in a pre-gunpowder, pre-industrial age. Spears broke, shields shattered, and men grunted and screamed as they fought and were struck. The rest of the phalanx closed up behind the first rank. A spear was long enough for men in the second rank to reach the enemy, especially if one theory is right and it was balanced to be held nearer the butt end, so that two-thirds of its length reached forward. The others could not fight unless men fell ahead of them and they stepped forward to take their place in the first or second rank. The rest of the time they waited, deluged with noise as far as their restrictive helmets allowed them to hear, seeing only what was just ahead of them, the backs and bobbing helmet crests of the ranks in front."
The author provides numerous interesting stories about the manners and mode of conduct between the Athenians and Spartans, and also between the Greeks and their enemies. This account is in regard to the Battle of Marathon: "Herodotus does record that many Spartans became worried about the killing of the Persian envoys before Marathon, not because they regretted the rejection of the demand for earth and water but because it was an impiety. A community that prized a scrupulous honouring of the gods felt that this violation of the respect normally awarded to ambassadors might weaken their special relationship with the gods. After some discussion, two volunteers came forward and pledged to go to the great king and accept whatever punishment he chose to inflict on them. In this way, two would suffer and the rest be absolved of responsibility. When they finally arrived at the Persian court, Xerxes was impressed by their courage and willingness to sacrifice themselves on behalf of their fellow citizens. Instead of being executed, the men were lavishly entertained, praised, and sent home by the great king."
The author provides great background on the war with Persia and how when that conflicted ended, both Athens and Sparta slowly slipped into what became known as the Peloponnesian War.
The story of both these conflicts and the famous battles from Marathon (490BC), Thermopylae, Salamis all the way to the disastrous Athenian campaign in Sicily (415-413 BC) are told engagingly and supported with decent maps to follow the narrative.
The author on the end of the Peloponnesian War and the shifting of fortunes: "The Athenians were no longer in control of their fate. They could not afford to replace the lost fleet, and the food supply to the city from the Black Sea was cut. This meant their defeat was total, the enemy's strength impossible to resist. Plenty of Athenians now thought back to times when the roles had been reversed and they had decided on the punishment of whole communities, often ordering mass executions and the enslavement of women and children. The rhetoric Thucydides provided for the debates over such matters emphasised might over justice. The Athenians had possessed overwhelming strength and used it as they wanted, doing whatever they felt brought their community greatest advantage."
The book is well researched and well told and manages to hook the reader from the first few pages. Even if you have read about this period previously, this is still a book that grabs your attention and holds it to the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about this period of history or who just loves a great history book!
According to the publisher the hardback edition runs to 640 pages (Ebook - 480 pages with 2 x 8 Col. plates & 15 maps). The subtitle of the book is the best description of what is in between the covers - 'The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece' - which the author describes in an easy to read and interesting narrative.
Adrian Goldsworthy explains at the beginning of the book that he views some of the original sources with a healthy scepticism as required. He does not totally discount this material, but he makes the point that nothing is really know for certain about some subjects and he provides the best summary based on all the evidence available to the historian.
This is a great story of the rise of Athens and Sparta, how their societies functioned, how politics and warfare were viewed by both and how both tried to dominate the region to their benefit.
This is the author describing early hoplite warfare and the phalanx: "At times one side of the other flinched at the last minute, turning to flee before a blow was struck, sometimes dubbed a 'tearless battle'. More often their resolution held. Some individuals kept running and tried to drive a spear through or past the opponent's shield or knock him over. Others may have slowed down and approached with more care before they struck. Either way the noise was enormous, especially for men living in a pre-gunpowder, pre-industrial age. Spears broke, shields shattered, and men grunted and screamed as they fought and were struck. The rest of the phalanx closed up behind the first rank. A spear was long enough for men in the second rank to reach the enemy, especially if one theory is right and it was balanced to be held nearer the butt end, so that two-thirds of its length reached forward. The others could not fight unless men fell ahead of them and they stepped forward to take their place in the first or second rank. The rest of the time they waited, deluged with noise as far as their restrictive helmets allowed them to hear, seeing only what was just ahead of them, the backs and bobbing helmet crests of the ranks in front."
The author provides numerous interesting stories about the manners and mode of conduct between the Athenians and Spartans, and also between the Greeks and their enemies. This account is in regard to the Battle of Marathon: "Herodotus does record that many Spartans became worried about the killing of the Persian envoys before Marathon, not because they regretted the rejection of the demand for earth and water but because it was an impiety. A community that prized a scrupulous honouring of the gods felt that this violation of the respect normally awarded to ambassadors might weaken their special relationship with the gods. After some discussion, two volunteers came forward and pledged to go to the great king and accept whatever punishment he chose to inflict on them. In this way, two would suffer and the rest be absolved of responsibility. When they finally arrived at the Persian court, Xerxes was impressed by their courage and willingness to sacrifice themselves on behalf of their fellow citizens. Instead of being executed, the men were lavishly entertained, praised, and sent home by the great king."
The author provides great background on the war with Persia and how when that conflicted ended, both Athens and Sparta slowly slipped into what became known as the Peloponnesian War.
The story of both these conflicts and the famous battles from Marathon (490BC), Thermopylae, Salamis all the way to the disastrous Athenian campaign in Sicily (415-413 BC) are told engagingly and supported with decent maps to follow the narrative.
The author on the end of the Peloponnesian War and the shifting of fortunes: "The Athenians were no longer in control of their fate. They could not afford to replace the lost fleet, and the food supply to the city from the Black Sea was cut. This meant their defeat was total, the enemy's strength impossible to resist. Plenty of Athenians now thought back to times when the roles had been reversed and they had decided on the punishment of whole communities, often ordering mass executions and the enslavement of women and children. The rhetoric Thucydides provided for the debates over such matters emphasised might over justice. The Athenians had possessed overwhelming strength and used it as they wanted, doing whatever they felt brought their community greatest advantage."
The book is well researched and well told and manages to hook the reader from the first few pages. Even if you have read about this period previously, this is still a book that grabs your attention and holds it to the very end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about this period of history or who just loves a great history book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is titled Athens and Sparta, but since Athens and Sparta are the two major players in ancient Greece, this book is basically about the history of ancient Greece.
I write this review as someone who only has passing knowledge of Greek history whose extent of knowledge was a walking tour I took at the Acropolis some months ago.
It took me a good while to finish this book, because it was A LOT. There are a lot of facts, figures, places, names, years, and unfamiliar systems. Part 1 was the introduction of Greece and Sparta separately, the systems they live in, and their way of life and how they differ. Part 2 was about the rise of Athens, including the now famous wars with Persia, and Part 3 was from the rise and fall of the Delian league to the Peloponnesian war and the decline of both Athens and Sparta.
As a newcomer to this, I found Part 1 very dry but necessary. I needed an introduction of how both Athenian and Spartan societies worked before we can talk about how these systems clashed and gelled with each other. The explanation on how the Athenian system of democracy worked was especially dense and detail-heavy but very important to understand because a lot of major events that happen in their history is a direct consequence of the decisions made by the boule, the assembly, the strategos, the archons, etc.
Yes, it is tedious, but stay the course! Once part 2 gets going and until the very end, I was locked in. We've all heard of many of these battles(Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, etc.), we know how they go and who wins, but I found the chapters on the preparations, the cast of characters and alliances, the inciting incident, and finally the detailed descriptions of exactly what happened and who participated quite riveting. For me, it truly separated the fact from the fiction--and as the author will tell you, that is not an easy thing to do! Every account of these events is told by people who had an agenda to push and a bone to pick, and I appreciate the author separating the myth from the reality--and when it's not possible, he will say so and offer informed speculation.
And in the end, after all is said and done, Athens and Sparta had their own strengths and weaknesses that necessitated them to depend on each other but also made them wary of each other. And for all their differences, they are more alike than they may admit--both are driven by the Greek desire to do better than others and to be seen by everyone as so. And while this strong desire paved the way for some wonderful philosophical ideas and works of art, it also brought about continuous war and distrust of their neighbors. And this highlights mistakes from the past that we still keep on repeating today--hubris that destroys alliances, and the unwillingness to back down and be seen as a failure. In the end, whether its Athens or modern nation, we are all still humans.
I write this review as someone who only has passing knowledge of Greek history whose extent of knowledge was a walking tour I took at the Acropolis some months ago.
It took me a good while to finish this book, because it was A LOT. There are a lot of facts, figures, places, names, years, and unfamiliar systems. Part 1 was the introduction of Greece and Sparta separately, the systems they live in, and their way of life and how they differ. Part 2 was about the rise of Athens, including the now famous wars with Persia, and Part 3 was from the rise and fall of the Delian league to the Peloponnesian war and the decline of both Athens and Sparta.
As a newcomer to this, I found Part 1 very dry but necessary. I needed an introduction of how both Athenian and Spartan societies worked before we can talk about how these systems clashed and gelled with each other. The explanation on how the Athenian system of democracy worked was especially dense and detail-heavy but very important to understand because a lot of major events that happen in their history is a direct consequence of the decisions made by the boule, the assembly, the strategos, the archons, etc.
Yes, it is tedious, but stay the course! Once part 2 gets going and until the very end, I was locked in. We've all heard of many of these battles(Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, etc.), we know how they go and who wins, but I found the chapters on the preparations, the cast of characters and alliances, the inciting incident, and finally the detailed descriptions of exactly what happened and who participated quite riveting. For me, it truly separated the fact from the fiction--and as the author will tell you, that is not an easy thing to do! Every account of these events is told by people who had an agenda to push and a bone to pick, and I appreciate the author separating the myth from the reality--and when it's not possible, he will say so and offer informed speculation.
And in the end, after all is said and done, Athens and Sparta had their own strengths and weaknesses that necessitated them to depend on each other but also made them wary of each other. And for all their differences, they are more alike than they may admit--both are driven by the Greek desire to do better than others and to be seen by everyone as so. And while this strong desire paved the way for some wonderful philosophical ideas and works of art, it also brought about continuous war and distrust of their neighbors. And this highlights mistakes from the past that we still keep on repeating today--hubris that destroys alliances, and the unwillingness to back down and be seen as a failure. In the end, whether its Athens or modern nation, we are all still humans.
May 19, 2026
A fantastic and weighty book that charts the pre-Macedon history of Greece.
It's a little heavy at times. I'm a huge fan of that ancient history, so I'm aware of the Persian and Peloponnesian wars, I've studied them although I make no claim to a great knowledge. But even with the background I had, there were times I struggled simply due to the sheer number of people involved. Athens and Sparta liked to change their commanders a lot, and that can make it hard to keep track of things, especially when, by sheer nature of the scope of this book, we have to rush through a lot of history. It covers a lot of time.
The pacing is a little off despite this, which is strange. The first section of the book seems very slow going at times. It is setting the stage, explaining the history up until the Persian wars, charting the growth of Athens, Sparta and other Greek cities. It also delves into the Mycenaeans and other bronze age history. It's important to know what comes before, but we spend a lot of times on that, which could have been spent in the actual time period of the book.
Despite those two minor complaints, this was an outstanding book. It captures your attention and refuses to let go, offering a balanced and well researched look into this time period. Perhaps most importantly, while acknowledging the many myths around these battles - even a casual historian may have heard of the battle of Marathon or the '300' - he takes care to dismantle them where he can. I found the chapter detailing the last stand of the 300 (and the rest) the most interesting, as finally those that fought alongside the Spartans are given their due.
The chapters about Sparta in general are more interesting, because there is less information about them. They were notoriously secretive and so much of who they were has been lost. They are perhaps the only example I can think of, of a kingdom that had two kings (until the late Roman empire, but those examples rarely lasted more than one or two rulers) and not only that, but these two lines seemed to continue for many generations.
Sparta is more than mindless violence, just as Athens is more than pebbles in a debate, and this book brilliantly shows these many other sides.
If you have even a passing interested in Ancient Greece, the first 'extreme' democracy or even Greek Kings, then this is well worth a read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
It's a little heavy at times. I'm a huge fan of that ancient history, so I'm aware of the Persian and Peloponnesian wars, I've studied them although I make no claim to a great knowledge. But even with the background I had, there were times I struggled simply due to the sheer number of people involved. Athens and Sparta liked to change their commanders a lot, and that can make it hard to keep track of things, especially when, by sheer nature of the scope of this book, we have to rush through a lot of history. It covers a lot of time.
The pacing is a little off despite this, which is strange. The first section of the book seems very slow going at times. It is setting the stage, explaining the history up until the Persian wars, charting the growth of Athens, Sparta and other Greek cities. It also delves into the Mycenaeans and other bronze age history. It's important to know what comes before, but we spend a lot of times on that, which could have been spent in the actual time period of the book.
Despite those two minor complaints, this was an outstanding book. It captures your attention and refuses to let go, offering a balanced and well researched look into this time period. Perhaps most importantly, while acknowledging the many myths around these battles - even a casual historian may have heard of the battle of Marathon or the '300' - he takes care to dismantle them where he can. I found the chapter detailing the last stand of the 300 (and the rest) the most interesting, as finally those that fought alongside the Spartans are given their due.
The chapters about Sparta in general are more interesting, because there is less information about them. They were notoriously secretive and so much of who they were has been lost. They are perhaps the only example I can think of, of a kingdom that had two kings (until the late Roman empire, but those examples rarely lasted more than one or two rulers) and not only that, but these two lines seemed to continue for many generations.
Sparta is more than mindless violence, just as Athens is more than pebbles in a debate, and this book brilliantly shows these many other sides.
If you have even a passing interested in Ancient Greece, the first 'extreme' democracy or even Greek Kings, then this is well worth a read.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review – Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece by Adrian Goldsworthy
Pub Date: 23 April 2026
This is a compelling and deeply engaging exploration of one of history’s most iconic rivalries. Adrian Goldsworthy brings Ancient Greece to life with clarity and authority, presenting Athens and Sparta not just as opposing powers, but as fundamentally different ways of understanding society, leadership, and human ambition.
What stands out immediately is the balance in the narrative. Rather than favouring one city over the other, Goldsworthy carefully examines both, highlighting their strengths, contradictions, and flaws. Athens emerges as a hub of innovation, philosophy, and democracy—yet equally capable of cruelty and excess. Sparta, often reduced to a stereotype of pure militarism, is given far more nuance here, revealing a complex and rigid society built on discipline, control, and an unwavering focus on strength.
The book goes beyond simple historical recounting. It delves into culture, politics, and ideology, showing how these two city-states shaped not only their own destinies but the wider ancient world. The inclusion of a wide cast of figures—from philosophers and politicians to ordinary citizens—adds depth and keeps the narrative dynamic and human.
Goldsworthy’s writing style is accessible without losing its scholarly edge. Complex events and political shifts are explained clearly, making the book suitable for both those new to the subject and readers already familiar with Greek history. The pacing is steady, allowing the story to unfold with weight and significance rather than rushing through key moments.
What makes this book particularly effective is its focus on contrast. Athens and Sparta are presented as extremes—democracy versus discipline, openness versus control—and through this, the author explores broader themes about power, identity, and the nature of civilisation itself.
Overall, this is a well-researched, insightful, and thought-provoking read that captures the drama and complexity of Ancient Greece. It not only recounts history but invites reflection on how these ancient societies continue to influence modern ideas about governance, culture, and conflict.
A strong and informative read that brings one of history’s greatest rivalries into sharp and compelling focus.
Pub Date: 23 April 2026
This is a compelling and deeply engaging exploration of one of history’s most iconic rivalries. Adrian Goldsworthy brings Ancient Greece to life with clarity and authority, presenting Athens and Sparta not just as opposing powers, but as fundamentally different ways of understanding society, leadership, and human ambition.
What stands out immediately is the balance in the narrative. Rather than favouring one city over the other, Goldsworthy carefully examines both, highlighting their strengths, contradictions, and flaws. Athens emerges as a hub of innovation, philosophy, and democracy—yet equally capable of cruelty and excess. Sparta, often reduced to a stereotype of pure militarism, is given far more nuance here, revealing a complex and rigid society built on discipline, control, and an unwavering focus on strength.
The book goes beyond simple historical recounting. It delves into culture, politics, and ideology, showing how these two city-states shaped not only their own destinies but the wider ancient world. The inclusion of a wide cast of figures—from philosophers and politicians to ordinary citizens—adds depth and keeps the narrative dynamic and human.
Goldsworthy’s writing style is accessible without losing its scholarly edge. Complex events and political shifts are explained clearly, making the book suitable for both those new to the subject and readers already familiar with Greek history. The pacing is steady, allowing the story to unfold with weight and significance rather than rushing through key moments.
What makes this book particularly effective is its focus on contrast. Athens and Sparta are presented as extremes—democracy versus discipline, openness versus control—and through this, the author explores broader themes about power, identity, and the nature of civilisation itself.
Overall, this is a well-researched, insightful, and thought-provoking read that captures the drama and complexity of Ancient Greece. It not only recounts history but invites reflection on how these ancient societies continue to influence modern ideas about governance, culture, and conflict.
A strong and informative read that brings one of history’s greatest rivalries into sharp and compelling focus.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me an ARC.
This book provided a really comprehensive and detailed history of both Greek city states, showing how Athens flourished with their democratic system, liberal arts, and expansionist tendencies, whilst Sparta remained secretive, reserved, and unyielding. Chronologically, it goes through the history of the beginning of each city state, the emergence of reforms that ended up shaping each of their government systems, and how their rivalry began.
The author provided a very nuanced and balanced perspective of each city state, which I really appreciated. A lot of the time when Sparta is concerned, modern perspectives on political systems tend to colour people's views. Naturally, as a modern audience, we recoil at the idea of mass enslavement, an oligarchal system, and a state primarily run on fear, but Athens also had slavery and their democracy excluded women, non-citizens, and children. The point isn't to say one was morally better than the other, but to explore how their different political systems shaped how they emerged as powerful city states against a backdrop of other Greek city states.
Comparing Athens and Sparta is always exceedingly interesting as the two city states couldn't really be more different; we know very little about Sparta as they were extremely secretive and the majority of the primary sources were written by non-Spartans. Athens, by comparision, flourished with artists, philosophers, writers, and playwrights who, in varying degrees of accuracy, detailed what Athenian life was like.
Although not necessary, I would recommend some existing knowledge of the classical world before reading. My background in Classics definitely helped me to understand and get to grips with a lot of the concepts and information in the book. I think if someone had no prior knowledge going in, they might find it a bit overwhelming.
Overall, this was a really fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed the content and the author's narrative voice.
This book provided a really comprehensive and detailed history of both Greek city states, showing how Athens flourished with their democratic system, liberal arts, and expansionist tendencies, whilst Sparta remained secretive, reserved, and unyielding. Chronologically, it goes through the history of the beginning of each city state, the emergence of reforms that ended up shaping each of their government systems, and how their rivalry began.
The author provided a very nuanced and balanced perspective of each city state, which I really appreciated. A lot of the time when Sparta is concerned, modern perspectives on political systems tend to colour people's views. Naturally, as a modern audience, we recoil at the idea of mass enslavement, an oligarchal system, and a state primarily run on fear, but Athens also had slavery and their democracy excluded women, non-citizens, and children. The point isn't to say one was morally better than the other, but to explore how their different political systems shaped how they emerged as powerful city states against a backdrop of other Greek city states.
Comparing Athens and Sparta is always exceedingly interesting as the two city states couldn't really be more different; we know very little about Sparta as they were extremely secretive and the majority of the primary sources were written by non-Spartans. Athens, by comparision, flourished with artists, philosophers, writers, and playwrights who, in varying degrees of accuracy, detailed what Athenian life was like.
Although not necessary, I would recommend some existing knowledge of the classical world before reading. My background in Classics definitely helped me to understand and get to grips with a lot of the concepts and information in the book. I think if someone had no prior knowledge going in, they might find it a bit overwhelming.
Overall, this was a really fantastic read and I thoroughly enjoyed the content and the author's narrative voice.
May 12, 2026
Get your notebooks out and begin your deep dive into Ancient Greece. Adrian Goldsworthy has done it yet again with incredible talent and forensic like research init his new book, Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece. The first part of this book gives a foundation for the understanding of Athens and Sparta separately by exploring what kind of systems the citizens live within (political and social), what means of commerce they participated in and who in that frame participated. Even when it came down to who is a “real” citizen. Lots of places and names to keep track of so it’s very helpful to take notes. Goldsworthy goes back and forth citing the histories of Herodotus and Thucydides throughout and explains whether their writings have a basis with backing research or are merely a myth. I do appreciate the ability of Goldsworthy to acknowledge when he does not agree due to lack of enough evidence on times, places and people.
To watch the musical chairs of Athens and Sparta being allies against the Persian Empire but then turn around and become rivals was entertaining to say the least. I have to admit, once I finished this book I felt like I completed a college course in Ancient Greece. Like all of Goldsworthy books, this one is a great reminder that he is one of the best historians of ancient civilizations I have come across.
Thank you, NetGalley, Adrian Goldsworthy and Basic Books for providing this eARC for review.
To watch the musical chairs of Athens and Sparta being allies against the Persian Empire but then turn around and become rivals was entertaining to say the least. I have to admit, once I finished this book I felt like I completed a college course in Ancient Greece. Like all of Goldsworthy books, this one is a great reminder that he is one of the best historians of ancient civilizations I have come across.
Thank you, NetGalley, Adrian Goldsworthy and Basic Books for providing this eARC for review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Let's be honest, I am no ancient history nerd. Yes, I read a ton of history, but ancient history is my weak spot. There are so many unknowns and any author needs to do so much legwork to tell us what we do know because there is only so much to be sure about. In summary, yes I knew there were Peloponnesian Wars, but heck if I know who fought in them. Shoot, even autocorrect doesn't know how to spell Peloponnesian.
Luckily, there is Adrian Goldsworthy. One of my exceptions to the ancient history rule is Goldsworthy since his Augustus is one of my favorites. When I saw he was taking on Athens and Sparta, it was a no-brainer.
Goldsworthy goes way, way back to explain how Athens and Sparta came to be. He then shows how they developed and, of course, their battles with some certain Persian leaders. You might not remember where the name Thermopylae is from, but you probably remember the movie 300. It is, like most Hollywood movies, wildly inaccurate. However, it serves as a great hook to get you into this book. Come for Thermopylae, stay for the Peloponnesian Wars.
Goldsworthy talks in the preface about how he kept this streamlined and didn't get into the weeds when it wasn't necessary. Hilariously, the book is still over 500 pages. The author isn't lying, it's just a lot of ground to cover! Pick this one up, but just make sure you set aside a lot of reading time.
(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by Basic Books.)
Luckily, there is Adrian Goldsworthy. One of my exceptions to the ancient history rule is Goldsworthy since his Augustus is one of my favorites. When I saw he was taking on Athens and Sparta, it was a no-brainer.
Goldsworthy goes way, way back to explain how Athens and Sparta came to be. He then shows how they developed and, of course, their battles with some certain Persian leaders. You might not remember where the name Thermopylae is from, but you probably remember the movie 300. It is, like most Hollywood movies, wildly inaccurate. However, it serves as a great hook to get you into this book. Come for Thermopylae, stay for the Peloponnesian Wars.
Goldsworthy talks in the preface about how he kept this streamlined and didn't get into the weeds when it wasn't necessary. Hilariously, the book is still over 500 pages. The author isn't lying, it's just a lot of ground to cover! Pick this one up, but just make sure you set aside a lot of reading time.
(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by Basic Books.)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you're looking for a definitive, expertly crafted work on classical Athens and Sparta, this is the book for you.
Beginning in the 6th century, it covers the rise of these two great societies, how they functioned, politics, war and everything in between, it also covers the war with Persia.
At just over 600 pages, it certainly the hefty tome, but for fans of all things history like me, it definitely won't feel that long.
Packed to the brim with interesting facts and figures, and including maps, colour photographs and a really useful chronology, notes, bibliography and index at the back, it's incredibly readable and accessible even for the casual history reader.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Beginning in the 6th century, it covers the rise of these two great societies, how they functioned, politics, war and everything in between, it also covers the war with Persia.
At just over 600 pages, it certainly the hefty tome, but for fans of all things history like me, it definitely won't feel that long.
Packed to the brim with interesting facts and figures, and including maps, colour photographs and a really useful chronology, notes, bibliography and index at the back, it's incredibly readable and accessible even for the casual history reader.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
May 6, 2026
A very good overview of classical Athens and its relationship to Sparta (bookended by a brief exploration of Mycenaean civilisation and the archaic period).
Goldsworthy’s frankness about remaining historical uncertainties (particularly in the first half of the book) is refreshing.
My only criticisms are:
1. When we got to the Peloponnesian War, the book did feel a bit like an uncritical summary of Thucydides.
2. The period from 404 to 362 bc is skated over very quickly. There is much more that could have been said here and, as it is a less well known period, I had expected a more thorough treatment in a broad history like this.
Goldsworthy’s frankness about remaining historical uncertainties (particularly in the first half of the book) is refreshing.
My only criticisms are:
1. When we got to the Peloponnesian War, the book did feel a bit like an uncritical summary of Thucydides.
2. The period from 404 to 362 bc is skated over very quickly. There is much more that could have been said here and, as it is a less well known period, I had expected a more thorough treatment in a broad history like this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Very well researched with a gripping writing style.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews