The Spartans

The Spartans (2002)

EndedDocumentary show

The Spartans chronicles the rise and fall of one of the most extreme civilizations the world has ever seen, a civilization that was founded on discipline, sacrifice and frugality, where the onus was on the collective and the goal was to create the perfect state and the perfect warrior. Classical historian Bettany Hughes reveals the secrets and complexities of everyday Spartan life: homosexuality was compulsory, money was outlawed, equality was enforced, weak boys were put to death and women enjoyed a level of social and sexual freedom that was unheard of in the ancient world. After decades of war with Athens, Sparta finally emerged victorious as the most powerful city-state in Greece and an imperial power. But a collapsing birth rate, too few warriors, rebellious slaves and outdated attitudes to weaponry and warfare combined to sow the seeds of Sparta's destruction, until eventually the once-great warrior state was reduced to a destination for Roman tourists who came to view the bizarre sado-masochistic rituals.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday (60 min)

Last Episode

Sparta's Destruction
Season 1Episode 360 min

Sparta's Destruction

Part 3 introduces Alcibiades, an Athenian statesman who defects to Sparta and becomes an adviser and strategist. In particular, he suggests that Sparta takes the war to Syracuse, in Sicily, during which Athens suffers a major blow (including the capture of their entire expeditionary force). The Spartan Lysander, chief of its naval forces, begins to rise in power, and he eventually defeats the Athenian navy (which enables him to blockade Athens) and finally ends the war by successfully invading and subjugating Athens. Agesilaus, who becomes one of the kings of Sparta, finally sees Sparta become the dominant power in Greece. But decadence and corruption follow, along with a drastic reduction in Spartan citizens. These facts eventually lead to an irreversible decline in Sparta's fortunes, leading to war with Thebes, and, in 371 BC, the end of Spartan preeminence after the battle of Leuctra.
Dec 1, 2002

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03Sparta's DestructionDec 1, 2002
S01E02Sparta's RivalryNov 24, 2002
S01E01Sparta's Social SystemNov 17, 2002
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Bettany Hughes

Bettany Hughes

plays herself
View all cast

Characters

Bettany Hughes

Bettany Hughes

View all characters

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