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Sparta

The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Superpower

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Sparta

By: Andrew Bayliss
Narrated by: Matt Addis
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Sparta - its legendary warriors and steadfast resilience are famous throughout the world as a model for toughness, justice and masculinity. The Spartans' reputation as fighters is matched only by their mythic code of honour. Their torch has been carried by footballers and politicians, video games and philosophers alike.

But who really were the Spartans? And what was the driving force behind the rise - and dramatic fall - of Sparta?

Sparta traces the story of Ancient Greece's most iconic city-state, from its humble beginnings as a hamlet in the Peloponnese to its meteoric rise as the foremost military superpower of the Classical world. Andrew Bayliss uncovers the eclectic quirks that set Sparta above its rivals: its famous double monarchy, the harsh methods for raising children as soldiers and the unique role of women in Spartan life.

Sparta was the world's first superpower and its legacy is still shaping popular culture and politics today. This is the story of its rise and fall.©2025 Andrew J. Bayliss Ancient Europe Greece Ancient Greece Ancient History Warrior Greek Mythology Mythology
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Enjoyed the look at what we know or think we know based on the actual sources available.

Very enjoyable listen.

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Very thorough and covered everything, although it read a bit like a shopping list sometimes. Saying 'BCE' all the time jarred a bit. I thought that fad had passed.

Did what it said it would.

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