Sparta: The Warrior State of Ancient Greece - Duncan Ryan [epub]

Sparta is, with very little doubt, among the societies of the ancient world that has inspired the most wonder and amazement down through history. Rising from the Peloponnese peninsula in the far south of Greece during the Greek Dark Ages, the society would go on to become the most famous of the city-states of ancient Greece through its remarkable military prowess and its legendary rejection of non-essentials.

In ancient Greek history, the Spartans hold a special place as one of the peoples who most shaped the history of Greece as we know it today. From great feats like the last stand of Leonidas and his royal guard at Thermopylae to the great Peloponnesian War and even in achievements of diplomacy with the Persian empire, Sparta, in every era of ancient Greek history, was one of the great defining forces.

This short history of Sparta now endeavors to make the remarkable story of one of the greatest warrior societies in history easily accessible to the reader without an existing specialized knowledge of ancient Sparta. Sparta: The Warrior State of Ancient Greece is intended as a primer on Spartan history and as a framework on which readers may choose to build an even greater understanding of this incredible city-state. In it, you will find descriptions of famous battles, notable Spartans, major events in Spartan history and summaries of the character and nature of this ancient Peloponnesian city-state.

From the Dorian Invasion and the reforms of Lycurgus to the decline of Sparta after the Battle of Leuctra and its eventual incorporation into the Roman empire, this short history guides the reader through every part of Spartan history, providing much fascinating information about the Spartans as it goes.