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Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece
Two great cities. One fierce rivalry. Countless untold stories.
Athens and Sparta were the two big players in Ancient Greece. United, they helped lead the Greeks in defeating the great Persian invasion. Divided, they spread conflict and destruction throughout the eastern Mediterranean. They were not simply rivals for power, but polar opposites in culture and Athens was the outward looking, radical democracy with a maritime empire whilst Sparta was militaristic, rigidly disciplined and brutal. Both were experiments in how to run a state, epitomising the extremes of the Greek longing to excel.
This is a story of politics and war, but also of culture. In Athens, philosophers dissected the physical and moral world, writers spun forth comedy and drama, and new ideas filled the city. Athens could be vulgar and cruel, but no other state has ever allowed thousands of citizens to debate its laws freely. Sparta was innovative in other ways, with a society divided into strict class groups and an astonishing focus on military training. Both cities were paradoxes – they were at once remarkably ordered and surprisingly prone to savagery.
Athens and Sparta tells a remarkable story of the drama and extremity of human behaviour. It draws on ancient sources and modern discoveries and boasts a wide-ranging cast of characters – statesmen, lawgivers, rabble-rousers, philosophers, artists, courtesans, wives and heroes. The history of these cities truly is a microcosm of the human experience, in all its wonder and horror.
Athens and Sparta were the two big players in Ancient Greece. United, they helped lead the Greeks in defeating the great Persian invasion. Divided, they spread conflict and destruction throughout the eastern Mediterranean. They were not simply rivals for power, but polar opposites in culture and Athens was the outward looking, radical democracy with a maritime empire whilst Sparta was militaristic, rigidly disciplined and brutal. Both were experiments in how to run a state, epitomising the extremes of the Greek longing to excel.
This is a story of politics and war, but also of culture. In Athens, philosophers dissected the physical and moral world, writers spun forth comedy and drama, and new ideas filled the city. Athens could be vulgar and cruel, but no other state has ever allowed thousands of citizens to debate its laws freely. Sparta was innovative in other ways, with a society divided into strict class groups and an astonishing focus on military training. Both cities were paradoxes – they were at once remarkably ordered and surprisingly prone to savagery.
Athens and Sparta tells a remarkable story of the drama and extremity of human behaviour. It draws on ancient sources and modern discoveries and boasts a wide-ranging cast of characters – statesmen, lawgivers, rabble-rousers, philosophers, artists, courtesans, wives and heroes. The history of these cities truly is a microcosm of the human experience, in all its wonder and horror.
620 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Adrian Goldsworthy
44 books1,710 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 5, 2026
I wonder what this is about....
Athens and Sparta delivers exactly what you expect. A history of the two most famous City States of Ancient Greece. Adrian Goldsworthy does an excellent job in untangling the web of what we know about this period and more arguably more importantly offering solutions to much that we can never know for sure. This is perfect for those wanting to dive into this period of history for the first time. It will not feature the highly specific detail regarding how tools and weapons were made or buildings crafted, but it gives an overview, with a magnifying lens on political life of the period. Goldsworthy proves again why he is one of my favourite non-fiction authors!
Athens and Sparta delivers exactly what you expect. A history of the two most famous City States of Ancient Greece. Adrian Goldsworthy does an excellent job in untangling the web of what we know about this period and more arguably more importantly offering solutions to much that we can never know for sure. This is perfect for those wanting to dive into this period of history for the first time. It will not feature the highly specific detail regarding how tools and weapons were made or buildings crafted, but it gives an overview, with a magnifying lens on political life of the period. Goldsworthy proves again why he is one of my favourite non-fiction authors!
August 21, 2026
A wonderful bridge between Homer and Alexander's Campaigns, filling in the gaps in an engaging overview of Athens and Sparta.
July 14, 2026
Adrian Goldsworthy spotted a gap between the Persian Wars and the age of Alexander, and closed it with one sweeping account joining iron discipline and Athenian polish into a single story.
Sparta and Athens step onto the page like two wrestlers sizing up a hold, each testing footing before the true bout begins. Goldsworthy grounds every early chapter in Homer, tracing how anger over honor drove Achilles into his tent and how status obsession later drove entire cities into open war. The Iliad becomes an origin story for a civilization built on rank, reputation, and fear of looking small beside a neighbor.
Thermopylae opens with familiar drama, three hundred Spartans holding a narrow pass against Persian numbers beyond counting, their king falling among them, an epitaph carved in stern verse over their graves. Salamis follows soon after, oars churning a narrow strait where trickery from an Athenian admiral lured an overconfident fleet into disaster.
Xerxes watches ship after ship sink, his advantage in numbers dissolved by geography and Greek cunning. These chapters read fast, battle scenes given room to breathe while Goldsworthy keeps a scholar's grip on evidence and source quality throughout.
The Peloponnesian War occupies the heart of the book, decades of shifting alliances, broken treaties, and grinding sieges between a naval empire and a land power built around barracks life and communal discipline. Athens flexes wealth and fleet strength, Sparta answers with hoplite reputation and patience, and both sides share plenty of cruelty when cities surrender or starve.
Goldsworthy tracks the slow bleeding of both powers with a steady hand, showing how victory for Sparta came through Persian gold as much as through spear and shield discipline on open ground. The conclusion reaches its finest point through Thucydides, imagining a future traveler judging Athens grander than Sparta purely from ruins left standing.
Athens boasts through marble and scale, the Parthenon perched high enough to announce supremacy to every visitor for centuries afterward. Sparta boasts through absence, a city built bare of walls, confidence alone serving as fortification, its greatest monument the empty space where defenses might have stood elsewhere. Goldsworthy plays this contrast for the driest wit in the whole account, appearance and substance pulling in opposite directions across the ancient landscape.
Sparta expected grown men to strip naked for regular body inspections at the gymnasium, judged by magistrates and elders on how well they kept their physique. Older boys competed in a festival at the Temple of Orthia where they tried to steal cheese from an altar while grown men guarded it with whips. Boys were allowed to steal food outright, and the only real crime was getting caught, since capture brought both shame and a beating. One boy reportedly hid a stolen fox under his tunic and let the animal claw and bite him rather than confess to the theft.
Adult Spartan men grew their hair and beards long yet shaved the upper lip to avoid a moustache, while boys kept their hair short and were expected to look unkempt and dirty. Any Spartan could borrow a neighbor's hunting dogs or even his helots if the need arose.
Xerxes reportedly had his sea whipped and fitted with chains after storms wrecked his bridges, and also ordered the chief engineer responsible executed. Persian scouts before Thermopylae watched Spartans exercising nude and combing their long hair, and were told this leisurely grooming meant these men were readying themselves to die.
A runner supposedly covered around one hundred and forty miles from Athens to Sparta in two days seeking reinforcements ahead of Marathon. Herodotus claims Persian officers whipped their own reluctant soldiers forward into combat.
A lunar eclipse spooked the Athenians into delaying a retreat from Syracuse with catastrophic results. A series of earthquakes once shook Sparta so badly that Greeks everywhere treated the tremors as an ominous warning from the gods.
King Cleomenes reportedly slept with his host's wife while the man simply looked away out of extreme hospitality. Two Spartan officers who disobeyed royal orders were charged with cowardice and exiled, even though Sparta apparently had no formal legal concept of insubordination at all. Stone herms topped with the bearded head of Hermes conventionally featured a carved erect penis on the front.
Rumor held that a sculptor building a colossal statue of Zeus at Olympia had also been accused of pocketing the materials. The Delphic oracle allegedly took a bribe to tack extra instructions onto the end of every answer given to Spartan inquirers. Pericles once brushed off questions about missing public funds with a joke about miscellaneous expenses rather than a real explanation.
Helots were reportedly forced to get publicly drunk and dress in ridiculous costumes purely to remind Spartans of their own superiority. Ancient wine ran so strong that supposedly only barbarians drank it undiluted, risking drunken madness. Homer describes Thersites as the ugliest man in the whole army, lame, hunchbacked, and bald on top.
Spartan boys received only a single cloak meant to serve through every season of the year. A boy caught being flogged or beaten by another man's father would then face a second punishment at home from his own father for good measure.
I ended up considering two cities in permanent tension, one built on visible glory, the other built on laconic pride, both locked forever in a rivalry that shaped everything Greek that followed them into history.
[image error]
❤️ 🇮🇱
Sparta and Athens step onto the page like two wrestlers sizing up a hold, each testing footing before the true bout begins. Goldsworthy grounds every early chapter in Homer, tracing how anger over honor drove Achilles into his tent and how status obsession later drove entire cities into open war. The Iliad becomes an origin story for a civilization built on rank, reputation, and fear of looking small beside a neighbor.
Thermopylae opens with familiar drama, three hundred Spartans holding a narrow pass against Persian numbers beyond counting, their king falling among them, an epitaph carved in stern verse over their graves. Salamis follows soon after, oars churning a narrow strait where trickery from an Athenian admiral lured an overconfident fleet into disaster.
Xerxes watches ship after ship sink, his advantage in numbers dissolved by geography and Greek cunning. These chapters read fast, battle scenes given room to breathe while Goldsworthy keeps a scholar's grip on evidence and source quality throughout.
The Peloponnesian War occupies the heart of the book, decades of shifting alliances, broken treaties, and grinding sieges between a naval empire and a land power built around barracks life and communal discipline. Athens flexes wealth and fleet strength, Sparta answers with hoplite reputation and patience, and both sides share plenty of cruelty when cities surrender or starve.
Goldsworthy tracks the slow bleeding of both powers with a steady hand, showing how victory for Sparta came through Persian gold as much as through spear and shield discipline on open ground. The conclusion reaches its finest point through Thucydides, imagining a future traveler judging Athens grander than Sparta purely from ruins left standing.
Athens boasts through marble and scale, the Parthenon perched high enough to announce supremacy to every visitor for centuries afterward. Sparta boasts through absence, a city built bare of walls, confidence alone serving as fortification, its greatest monument the empty space where defenses might have stood elsewhere. Goldsworthy plays this contrast for the driest wit in the whole account, appearance and substance pulling in opposite directions across the ancient landscape.
Sparta expected grown men to strip naked for regular body inspections at the gymnasium, judged by magistrates and elders on how well they kept their physique. Older boys competed in a festival at the Temple of Orthia where they tried to steal cheese from an altar while grown men guarded it with whips. Boys were allowed to steal food outright, and the only real crime was getting caught, since capture brought both shame and a beating. One boy reportedly hid a stolen fox under his tunic and let the animal claw and bite him rather than confess to the theft.
Adult Spartan men grew their hair and beards long yet shaved the upper lip to avoid a moustache, while boys kept their hair short and were expected to look unkempt and dirty. Any Spartan could borrow a neighbor's hunting dogs or even his helots if the need arose.
Xerxes reportedly had his sea whipped and fitted with chains after storms wrecked his bridges, and also ordered the chief engineer responsible executed. Persian scouts before Thermopylae watched Spartans exercising nude and combing their long hair, and were told this leisurely grooming meant these men were readying themselves to die.
A runner supposedly covered around one hundred and forty miles from Athens to Sparta in two days seeking reinforcements ahead of Marathon. Herodotus claims Persian officers whipped their own reluctant soldiers forward into combat.
A lunar eclipse spooked the Athenians into delaying a retreat from Syracuse with catastrophic results. A series of earthquakes once shook Sparta so badly that Greeks everywhere treated the tremors as an ominous warning from the gods.
King Cleomenes reportedly slept with his host's wife while the man simply looked away out of extreme hospitality. Two Spartan officers who disobeyed royal orders were charged with cowardice and exiled, even though Sparta apparently had no formal legal concept of insubordination at all. Stone herms topped with the bearded head of Hermes conventionally featured a carved erect penis on the front.
Rumor held that a sculptor building a colossal statue of Zeus at Olympia had also been accused of pocketing the materials. The Delphic oracle allegedly took a bribe to tack extra instructions onto the end of every answer given to Spartan inquirers. Pericles once brushed off questions about missing public funds with a joke about miscellaneous expenses rather than a real explanation.
Helots were reportedly forced to get publicly drunk and dress in ridiculous costumes purely to remind Spartans of their own superiority. Ancient wine ran so strong that supposedly only barbarians drank it undiluted, risking drunken madness. Homer describes Thersites as the ugliest man in the whole army, lame, hunchbacked, and bald on top.
Spartan boys received only a single cloak meant to serve through every season of the year. A boy caught being flogged or beaten by another man's father would then face a second punishment at home from his own father for good measure.
I ended up considering two cities in permanent tension, one built on visible glory, the other built on laconic pride, both locked forever in a rivalry that shaped everything Greek that followed them into history.
[image error]
❤️ 🇮🇱
May 24, 2026
Goldsworthy has very quickly become one of my favorite historians, I’ve typically always leaned towards historians like Tom Holland - narrative history is ~usually~ more interesting but I end up getting frustrated with how fast and loose they’ll jump between myth and what is actually known just for style points. Unlike Holland, Goldsworthy is very diligent about where his information derives; whether it be from the cultural mythos, archeological records, written works or personal hunch - especially is his later books.
His writing style, generally, but in this book particularly is highly engaging and to the point. There are moments I wish he spent longer sitting in a moment, especially in the discussion following a presentation of data but obviously not everyone has the time or interest in reading such a tome. Whether you’ve got absolutely no knowledge of the time or a deep and well versed understanding there’s so much to be gained from reading this and many other of the authors library.
This book was just what I needed, I’ve been struggling to find a comprehensive, digestible text on this time period for a while and this delivered big time. It’s a shame we don’t have more historians like Goldsworthy for a broader range of regions and cultures - if every history book was like his we’d have more people interested in studying history.
His writing style, generally, but in this book particularly is highly engaging and to the point. There are moments I wish he spent longer sitting in a moment, especially in the discussion following a presentation of data but obviously not everyone has the time or interest in reading such a tome. Whether you’ve got absolutely no knowledge of the time or a deep and well versed understanding there’s so much to be gained from reading this and many other of the authors library.
This book was just what I needed, I’ve been struggling to find a comprehensive, digestible text on this time period for a while and this delivered big time. It’s a shame we don’t have more historians like Goldsworthy for a broader range of regions and cultures - if every history book was like his we’d have more people interested in studying history.
March 2, 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.
June 12, 2026
An overview of Athens & Sparta - the two most influential city-states in Ancient Greece. Starting from the time of the Mycenaeans (1200 - 800 BC) & working forward through events such as the development of Athens's democracy, & the famous last stand of King Leonidas & 300 Spartans at Thermopylae, whilst the two city-states worked together/fell out (& repeat), like a long-term couple on a soap opera.
I was really intrigued about the great Mycenaean palaces that were built & then abandoned with no-one being quite sure why, & also I never realised that Athens had been such a big naval power. The section on how the young were raised in Sparta was also interesting. The attention to detail in regards to research is obvious, & Goldsworthy has the knack of being able to write about academic subjects without becoming boring & bogged down with too much extraneous information - although this overview is still over 600 pages.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this & my only real criticism is that women featured almost nowhere in the book. Apart from mentioning that respectable women didn't attend symposia & a couple of mentions of important Spartan women, you would be forgiven for thinking that Ancient Greece was inhabited entirely by men & boys. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - The attention to detail in regards to research is obvious & I was really intrigued by the Mycenaean palaces that were built & then abandoned with no-one being quite sure why.
Writing Style: Excellent - Goldsworthy has the knack of being able to write about academic subjects without becoming boring.
Enjoyment Level: High - my only real criticism is that women featured almost nowhere. You would be forgiven for thinking that Ancient Greece was inhabited entirely by men & boys.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Head of Zeus/Apollo Nonfiction, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I was really intrigued about the great Mycenaean palaces that were built & then abandoned with no-one being quite sure why, & also I never realised that Athens had been such a big naval power. The section on how the young were raised in Sparta was also interesting. The attention to detail in regards to research is obvious, & Goldsworthy has the knack of being able to write about academic subjects without becoming boring & bogged down with too much extraneous information - although this overview is still over 600 pages.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this & my only real criticism is that women featured almost nowhere in the book. Apart from mentioning that respectable women didn't attend symposia & a couple of mentions of important Spartan women, you would be forgiven for thinking that Ancient Greece was inhabited entirely by men & boys. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - The attention to detail in regards to research is obvious & I was really intrigued by the Mycenaean palaces that were built & then abandoned with no-one being quite sure why.
Writing Style: Excellent - Goldsworthy has the knack of being able to write about academic subjects without becoming boring.
Enjoyment Level: High - my only real criticism is that women featured almost nowhere. You would be forgiven for thinking that Ancient Greece was inhabited entirely by men & boys.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Head of Zeus/Apollo Nonfiction, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
October 1, 2026
Great book. Not Sexy
Read
September 22, 2026tremendously well written and fabulously narrated. unfortunately i cannot listen to 5 more hours about the peloponnesian wars--the athenians are tiresome after they establish democracy and the spartans don't write enough about themselves for there to be enough. dnf'd right as the great war is about to start since the persians have exited stage left. im sure its great, but im going to go check in on the etruscans or scythians, thanks.
October 9, 2026
I listened to this in audio and liked both the narration and the text itself. I was especially happy that rather than simply being devoted to the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, a lot of time was spent on the early histories and culture of the two cities. Time was also spent on the Persian War, and the relative role of the two city-states in it. Finally, we had a brief summary of what happened to the two after the Peloponnesian War in the ramp-up to their conquest by Phillip of Macedon.
September 19, 2026
Your one stop shop for classical Greece stories. Plenty has been written on the Persian Wars, plenty on the Peloponnesian War, but nothing pulling it together into a single narrative. Two cities beat the only superpower of the age side by side, then spent decades tearing the eastern Mediterranean apart. Thermopylae and Salamis get their due, but the real work is in the politics and diplomacy, which is where the collapse actually starts. Neither city gets a hero's edit: Athens gave us drama, comedy, and the only state that would ever let thousands of citizens write their own laws. #Spoiler - They also killed Socrates.
My real pitch: if Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plutarch have been sitting on your shelf for years, read this instead. Goldsworthy draws on all three, tells you where they disagree, where they're grinding an axe, and where we simply don't know. You'll come away with a more honest picture than any single ancient author gives you. It's long but more accessible than other attempts at the genre. Mind the author's warning that some will find it "uncomfortably relevant" is fair.
My real pitch: if Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plutarch have been sitting on your shelf for years, read this instead. Goldsworthy draws on all three, tells you where they disagree, where they're grinding an axe, and where we simply don't know. You'll come away with a more honest picture than any single ancient author gives you. It's long but more accessible than other attempts at the genre. Mind the author's warning that some will find it "uncomfortably relevant" is fair.
June 15, 2026
Thank you so much to Basic Books and Netgalley for the advance review copy. As always, all opinions are 100% my own!
What a read! "Athens and Sparta" by Adrian Goldsworthy is an incredibly detailed account of the rivalry between the two cities. I only knew surface level facts about the nature of the relationship between them before picking up the book. Not anymore!
The book starts with a much appreciated introduction to not just Athens and Sparta but Ancient Greece as a whole. Everything from theories of the creation of the two cities and all the way through the Persian wars and Peloponnesian War.
In addition to making sure to introduce important terms that would be reused throughout the entirety of the book (such as Hoplite, phalanx, etc), the author made certain to give the reader as much context as possible to grasp the intricacies and the fragile relationship between the cities without drowning the reader or losing them along the way. This makes for a very accessible read despite the length of the book. So, don't be intimidated by it!
From the very beginning, Goldsworthy makes it very clear that there is much ground to cover. And it really does. That is why there is a lot more focus on battles and warfare versus social history. While I tend to focus on and prefer the latter, I still found the book riveting and was still able to follow all the way (even if I may not remember numbers or every single detail).
I especially appreciated the author's balance in how he handled ancient primary accounts such as Thucydides. While we still get the account, Goldsworthy does a great job at critiquing said account and balancing it with newer discoveries and spotting biases. This made for a very neutral account that didn't prefer one city over the other. As someone that went in with a predisposed bias against Sparta, this was very enlightening!
I also appreciated the book tying back to popular media and pointing out falsehoods and biases in facts that are common knowledge thanks to movies, books and other media.
All in all, this was a great read. Incredibly detailed, very well-researched while still being accessible. Highly recommend it.
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
What a read! "Athens and Sparta" by Adrian Goldsworthy is an incredibly detailed account of the rivalry between the two cities. I only knew surface level facts about the nature of the relationship between them before picking up the book. Not anymore!
The book starts with a much appreciated introduction to not just Athens and Sparta but Ancient Greece as a whole. Everything from theories of the creation of the two cities and all the way through the Persian wars and Peloponnesian War.
In addition to making sure to introduce important terms that would be reused throughout the entirety of the book (such as Hoplite, phalanx, etc), the author made certain to give the reader as much context as possible to grasp the intricacies and the fragile relationship between the cities without drowning the reader or losing them along the way. This makes for a very accessible read despite the length of the book. So, don't be intimidated by it!
From the very beginning, Goldsworthy makes it very clear that there is much ground to cover. And it really does. That is why there is a lot more focus on battles and warfare versus social history. While I tend to focus on and prefer the latter, I still found the book riveting and was still able to follow all the way (even if I may not remember numbers or every single detail).
I especially appreciated the author's balance in how he handled ancient primary accounts such as Thucydides. While we still get the account, Goldsworthy does a great job at critiquing said account and balancing it with newer discoveries and spotting biases. This made for a very neutral account that didn't prefer one city over the other. As someone that went in with a predisposed bias against Sparta, this was very enlightening!
I also appreciated the book tying back to popular media and pointing out falsehoods and biases in facts that are common knowledge thanks to movies, books and other media.
All in all, this was a great read. Incredibly detailed, very well-researched while still being accessible. Highly recommend it.
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
October 27, 2026
Bland, repeatable but somewhat interesting book
Adrian Goldsworthy is one of my favourite authors when it comes to Ancient Rome. When he ventured into slightly different territory, with Philip and Alexander and Rome vs Persia, I also really enjoyed his books. But then came Athens vs Sparta, and something changed.
The first issue was that I didn’t feel I had learned much. The book focused on very basic topics, the information remained superficial, and there was no real deep dive into the subject.
The second issue was that I have always known Adrian Goldsworthy as an excellent writer who can make almost any topic interesting. However, his writing style in this book was rather bland and, even worse, boring.
My final point of criticism is that many subjects, especially in the beginning, were repeated over and over again.
It simply didn’t feel like an Adrian Goldsworthy book at all. I’m giving it three stars only because there were still some informative passages and there was a lot of research done.
Adrian Goldsworthy is one of my favourite authors when it comes to Ancient Rome. When he ventured into slightly different territory, with Philip and Alexander and Rome vs Persia, I also really enjoyed his books. But then came Athens vs Sparta, and something changed.
The first issue was that I didn’t feel I had learned much. The book focused on very basic topics, the information remained superficial, and there was no real deep dive into the subject.
The second issue was that I have always known Adrian Goldsworthy as an excellent writer who can make almost any topic interesting. However, his writing style in this book was rather bland and, even worse, boring.
My final point of criticism is that many subjects, especially in the beginning, were repeated over and over again.
It simply didn’t feel like an Adrian Goldsworthy book at all. I’m giving it three stars only because there were still some informative passages and there was a lot of research done.
May 25, 2026
Enjoyable. Well written.
Because of the divided narrative of two Poleis, it is a bit fragmented at the start. That, however, is the nature of the Peloponnesian War.
One frustrating comment about Greece being Western Europe (I get it, Western World or Europe, however, is what should have been written).
Because of the divided narrative of two Poleis, it is a bit fragmented at the start. That, however, is the nature of the Peloponnesian War.
One frustrating comment about Greece being Western Europe (I get it, Western World or Europe, however, is what should have been written).
August 19, 2026
Serviceable, bland, repetitive.
July 30, 2026
One of the most concise books about one of classical Greece’s greatest rivalries.
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 24, 2026
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Athens and Sparta is an exceptional layman-accessible monograph about the rivalry between the two city-states in ancient Greece written by Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy. Released 12th May 2026 by Hachette on their Basic Books imprint, it's 640 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
It's not an exaggeration to say that ancient Greece shaped human civilization from the ancient world through the modern day. Fundamental concepts of society, democracy, personal responsibility, national identity, and culture have clear threads from the ancient world down to the modern. Dr. Goldsworthy does a good job of illustrating how those concepts and the rivalries profoundly shaped the ancient world and shaped the course of history.
The book is sparsely, but well, illustrated throughout, with maps and facsimile documents. The author is an academic, and it shows in the meticulous annotations throughout. The chapter notes and bibliography alone are likely worth the price of the book. The language is layman accessible and readable throughout.
Five stars. Very well written, in depth, and interesting. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school acquisition, as well as a solid reference for the home.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Athens and Sparta is an exceptional layman-accessible monograph about the rivalry between the two city-states in ancient Greece written by Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy. Released 12th May 2026 by Hachette on their Basic Books imprint, it's 640 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
It's not an exaggeration to say that ancient Greece shaped human civilization from the ancient world through the modern day. Fundamental concepts of society, democracy, personal responsibility, national identity, and culture have clear threads from the ancient world down to the modern. Dr. Goldsworthy does a good job of illustrating how those concepts and the rivalries profoundly shaped the ancient world and shaped the course of history.
The book is sparsely, but well, illustrated throughout, with maps and facsimile documents. The author is an academic, and it shows in the meticulous annotations throughout. The chapter notes and bibliography alone are likely worth the price of the book. The language is layman accessible and readable throughout.
Five stars. Very well written, in depth, and interesting. It would be a good choice for public or secondary school acquisition, as well as a solid reference for the home.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
October 13, 2026
Athens and Sparta is a very thoroughly researched book, written by a respected historian. I learned a lot from this book, really liked reading it. Its scope is monumental, spanning from the old age in Greece, when the Trojan War is supposed to have taken place, all the way to the Aftermath of the Pelopponesian War.
Goldsworthy puts a lot of information in every sentence, so it can be hard to take it all in at times, but I loved reading it, I learned a lot and that period of time in history is so very interesting, and influential on world history as well.
It gives a beautiful overview of some of Ancient Greece's most impactful events. Especially his descriptions of battle are very interesting, the Battle of Plataea stands out for instance, Goldsworthy is known for his knowledge of ancient military history, he really knows his stuff.
At the heart of this book is the explanation of how both Athens and Sparta grew to power and became each others rival, and it is clear that both cities did so in radically different ways. Although the cities aren't that far apart geographically, they had different sets of values, the societies were built differently and a child growing up in Sparta had a different experience than those growing up in Athens.
But the interesting thing about their shared history is that they were rivals but they also needed each other, there was a balance of power between the two and they also worked together when it came to common threats, for instance from the Persian empire but also when there was a massive slave uprising in Sparta. This balance between the two cities was always an uneasy balance, but a balance nonetheless.
All in all this was a fascinating read, and next up will be Goldsworthy's book about Philip and Alexander the Great of Macedonia.
Goldsworthy puts a lot of information in every sentence, so it can be hard to take it all in at times, but I loved reading it, I learned a lot and that period of time in history is so very interesting, and influential on world history as well.
It gives a beautiful overview of some of Ancient Greece's most impactful events. Especially his descriptions of battle are very interesting, the Battle of Plataea stands out for instance, Goldsworthy is known for his knowledge of ancient military history, he really knows his stuff.
At the heart of this book is the explanation of how both Athens and Sparta grew to power and became each others rival, and it is clear that both cities did so in radically different ways. Although the cities aren't that far apart geographically, they had different sets of values, the societies were built differently and a child growing up in Sparta had a different experience than those growing up in Athens.
But the interesting thing about their shared history is that they were rivals but they also needed each other, there was a balance of power between the two and they also worked together when it came to common threats, for instance from the Persian empire but also when there was a massive slave uprising in Sparta. This balance between the two cities was always an uneasy balance, but a balance nonetheless.
All in all this was a fascinating read, and next up will be Goldsworthy's book about Philip and Alexander the Great of Macedonia.
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.)
July 31, 2026
Athens and Sparta by Adrian Goldsworthy
Summary: A legendary partnership and an even more legendary rivalry, the relationship between Athens and Sparta truly shaped one of the most fascinating periods of ancient Greek history. Goldsworthy follows the histories of these two great city-states from their rise, through the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and into the years that followed, showing how these allies eventually became bitter enemies.
Throughout the pages, I was able to see just how different these two societies really were. From their military traditions and political systems to the way each approached citizenship and leadership, Athens and Sparta often couldn’t have been more different. But they certainly shared one thing in common. For better or worse, both wanted to be seen as the leading power in the Greek world.
Goldsworthy, in his typical fashion, does a great job showing how the balance of power shifted after the Persian Wars. As Athens expanded its naval empire, Sparta became increasingly concerned about its growing rival. As Thucydides famously argued, it was the rise of Athens and the fear this inspired in Sparta that made the Peloponnesian War inevitable. Goldsworthy returns to that idea throughout the book while also showing how those shifting alliances determined the course of Greek history.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one I’d definitely recommend picking it up if you’re interested in these two great powers of the ancient Greek world.
-BookendBones
Summary: A legendary partnership and an even more legendary rivalry, the relationship between Athens and Sparta truly shaped one of the most fascinating periods of ancient Greek history. Goldsworthy follows the histories of these two great city-states from their rise, through the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and into the years that followed, showing how these allies eventually became bitter enemies.
Throughout the pages, I was able to see just how different these two societies really were. From their military traditions and political systems to the way each approached citizenship and leadership, Athens and Sparta often couldn’t have been more different. But they certainly shared one thing in common. For better or worse, both wanted to be seen as the leading power in the Greek world.
Goldsworthy, in his typical fashion, does a great job showing how the balance of power shifted after the Persian Wars. As Athens expanded its naval empire, Sparta became increasingly concerned about its growing rival. As Thucydides famously argued, it was the rise of Athens and the fear this inspired in Sparta that made the Peloponnesian War inevitable. Goldsworthy returns to that idea throughout the book while also showing how those shifting alliances determined the course of Greek history.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and one I’d definitely recommend picking it up if you’re interested in these two great powers of the ancient Greek world.
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September 5, 2026
A good book, offering a balanced comparative history of the ancient world’s two most famous city‑states. The author, noted ancient historian Adrian Goldsworthy, examines the development, governance structure, and distinct cultures of both states. Goldsworthy moves away from presenting the two states in their normal caricatures. He explains how Athens was more than a democratic intellectual haven, going into detail on the many peaceful years of tyrant rule. Whereas Sparta is described less as a militarized disciplined machine and instead as an agrarian community whose rapid expansion and unique geography enabled a more focused lifestyle compared to its neighbors. Importantly, the Greek enemies of both states, such as the Thebans, Archeans, and others, play a major role in the story. It is the assessment of each states’ weaknesses, the overly fragmented democracy of Athens and the demographic fragility of the Spartan system, that really stands out. Rather than adapt, both states chose to maintain their systems at the cost of their power and regard. Highly recommended for those interested in the strategic interplay between political systems and military culture.
June 16, 2026
Adrian Goldsworthy is such an excellent writer when it comes to history. He explains ancient history in such an understandable and digestive way that after reading one of his books all I want to do is learn more history. Athens and Sparta is a dive into primarily the late 5th and 4th century BC. It delves into the relationship between the Greek city-states, their cultures, and their jockeying for reputation in the wider world.
It also delves into the Greek Persian wars that occurred during this time period including the last stand at Thermopylae, the battle of Platea, and the naval battles of Artemisium, and Salamis. After that it delves into the race to destruction between Athens and Sparta with the culmination in the Peloponnesian war.
Overall, if you enjoy history, Adrian Goldsworthy once again delivers and informative, and gripping story of the ancient world. I recommend all his books.
It also delves into the Greek Persian wars that occurred during this time period including the last stand at Thermopylae, the battle of Platea, and the naval battles of Artemisium, and Salamis. After that it delves into the race to destruction between Athens and Sparta with the culmination in the Peloponnesian war.
Overall, if you enjoy history, Adrian Goldsworthy once again delivers and informative, and gripping story of the ancient world. I recommend all his books.
June 18, 2026
Feels odd to give a Goldsworthy book fewer than five stars - and it’s not a reflection on the writing. As ever, Goldsworthy combines serious academic heft with accessible and lively narrative.
No, the missing spark for me is the subject matter itself. I’m a Romanist and picked this book up as a fan of the author rather than the period, thinking to expand my horizons. It did that - this isn’t a two star review! - but fundamentally it was a chronicle of a geographical area of people fighting among itself a lot of the time. I found it felt just a bit parochial and if I’m honest I started to get bored. The best bits for me were introductions and conclusions - the author’s insights are intelligent and interesting.
But that’s probably the perspective of someone too entrenched in the ambitious, outward looking expansion of Rome. For anyone wanting an overview of fifth century “Greece”, this is your best book by far, of that I have no doubt!
No, the missing spark for me is the subject matter itself. I’m a Romanist and picked this book up as a fan of the author rather than the period, thinking to expand my horizons. It did that - this isn’t a two star review! - but fundamentally it was a chronicle of a geographical area of people fighting among itself a lot of the time. I found it felt just a bit parochial and if I’m honest I started to get bored. The best bits for me were introductions and conclusions - the author’s insights are intelligent and interesting.
But that’s probably the perspective of someone too entrenched in the ambitious, outward looking expansion of Rome. For anyone wanting an overview of fifth century “Greece”, this is your best book by far, of that I have no doubt!
August 17, 2026
Having read Adrian Goldsworthy's Rome and Persia, Philip & Alexander: Kings and Conquerors, and Pax Romana previously I knew I was in for a good read. I was not disappointed. This is a detailed survey of the years leading up to, the actual war and, the aftermath of The Peloponnesian War. As did Jennifer T. Roberts in The Plague of War: Athens, Sparta, and the Struggle for Ancient Greece Thucydides is our eyewitness and primary source material. Goldsworthy's treatment of the war itself is not as detailed as Roberts's retelling. He spends nearly half of the book on the rise and maturation of the principles, Athens and Sparta. It is the same sad story hubris, courage, cowardice, victory and defeat. I think this book would be a good introduction for anyone interested in the historical era of Athens and Sparta's rivalry.
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.
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