The Spartans

by Nicholas Sekunda, Osprey

This book is available in North America ONLY. If you live elsewhere in the world and would like to read this book, please see Elite 66: The Spartans. This book is identical in content and price - only the cover differs. Although Sparta's early history is not clear, by the end of the 8th century most of the other cities of Lakedaimon had been reduced to subject status. The Lakedaimonians were the only full time army in ancient Greece and were thus truly an elite force. The institutions of the state and the system of education were organised with a view to creating superbly trained soldiers. Nick Sekunda examines this unique military machine in this book describing the organisational systems of the Spartan army through the Hellenistic period, how they were trained, the battles they fought, and the society that produced them.

Genres: History

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Dr. Nicholas Victor Sekunda was born in 1953. After studying Ancient History and Archaeology at Manchester University, he went on to take his Ph.D. in 1981. He has taken part in archaeological excavations in Poland, Iran and Greece, participated in a research project on ancient Persian warfare for the British institute of Persian Studies. He has published numerous books and academic articles, and is currently he is Head of the Department of Mediterranean Archaeology at Gdansk University, Poland, and is co-director of excavations at Negotino, Republic of Macedonia.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice basic history and intro book on the Spartans. A great book for a younger history reader or someone wanting to start learning about a new area of history. A good selection of pictures throughout and a well laid out and organized book overall. Recommended

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Spartans were the Tea Party of their time - right wing, didn't understand economics (used nails for money), fighters. Spartan men (citizens) could have only the career of a soldier, nothing else allowed.
On the other hand, the women, except for having to give up their sons at age 6 to a brutal "education" system (graduation ceremony was a beating close to death), could own land, do gymnastics in the buff and express an opinion. So not all bad for the ladies.
Spartans had a huge number of slaves (helots) and keeping them under control was the reason they became a militaristic nations.
That was my take-away; now you don't have to read the book, which was not so easy to follow if you didn't already know a lot of history of the period, which I don't.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Historically lavish and filled with authors knowledge and with accurate geography. Enjoyed it greatly!