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The Walls of Sparta
The Walls of Sparta is a marvelous new telling of an ancient story that offers fascinating insights into Sparta's martial culture and its use of the agoge, the institution that raised young men to be elite warriors often amid the exchange of amorous same-sex experiences. But outside forces encroach even here and the king must consider the threats of Thebes, as well as intrigue at home. Agesilaos was Sparta's most famous and most influential ruler. He assumed power at the apex of the city-state's prosperity and military domination. Eros between men fascinates this king--his own lover puts him on the throne. But the king finds himself tempted by the young men in orbit around the throne, from a striking Persian boy to a prot�g�, the most beautiful man of his generation, who wages war nude versus awe-struck Thebans. Perhaps the walls of Sparta are not as high as the ones surrounding the king's heart.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
394 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2020
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46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 1, 2020
Authentic Tale of Sparta
I’ve been waiting on a book like this for years. I have read about Ancient Greece for years and travelled extensively all over Greece including the Peloponnese. I found Sparta’s “system” to be extreme but interesting. I have often wondered how an author could write honestly about the real Spartan agoge system and not offend many conservative readers. The author does not leave out customs but he only alludes to what some might consider today to be to some of the more abusive elements in the system such as severe beatings of younger and teenage boys “listeners” or aitas by their older “inspirers” or eispnelas.
I appreciate that the author could not honestly equate modern day same-sex love to ancient Sparta’s system of sexual activity between males. However, I think Mr. Lloyd’s transition of this “system” to Eros (love) is a nice maneuver. I was delighted by the ideas that these men might have had feelings and attractions for each other and even mentors to guide each towards love. Several hundred years later, Aristotle preached no other love was greater than the love between two men.
I liked the way the author moved the story between time periods showing perspectives from different peoples including the helots, Athenians, Thebans, Egyptians and Persians. I liked how the Spartan king was a central and stabilizing figure and I enjoyed the military strategies and encounters of this prominent king. It was also great to see realistic encounters with actual historical figures during this time period.
Overall, an excellent first novel by this West Virginian professor emeritus in my opinion. Thank you for making one of my dreams come true and for following up Mary Renault’s brave works that wrote about a love that dares not speak its name.
I’ve been waiting on a book like this for years. I have read about Ancient Greece for years and travelled extensively all over Greece including the Peloponnese. I found Sparta’s “system” to be extreme but interesting. I have often wondered how an author could write honestly about the real Spartan agoge system and not offend many conservative readers. The author does not leave out customs but he only alludes to what some might consider today to be to some of the more abusive elements in the system such as severe beatings of younger and teenage boys “listeners” or aitas by their older “inspirers” or eispnelas.
I appreciate that the author could not honestly equate modern day same-sex love to ancient Sparta’s system of sexual activity between males. However, I think Mr. Lloyd’s transition of this “system” to Eros (love) is a nice maneuver. I was delighted by the ideas that these men might have had feelings and attractions for each other and even mentors to guide each towards love. Several hundred years later, Aristotle preached no other love was greater than the love between two men.
I liked the way the author moved the story between time periods showing perspectives from different peoples including the helots, Athenians, Thebans, Egyptians and Persians. I liked how the Spartan king was a central and stabilizing figure and I enjoyed the military strategies and encounters of this prominent king. It was also great to see realistic encounters with actual historical figures during this time period.
Overall, an excellent first novel by this West Virginian professor emeritus in my opinion. Thank you for making one of my dreams come true and for following up Mary Renault’s brave works that wrote about a love that dares not speak its name.
Displaying 1 of 1 review