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Book Review - A History of Sparta, 950-192 B.C.

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Column: History, by Nikolaos Markoulakis published in Volume 1 no. 1 | GetCITED | CiteULike |

A History of Sparta, 950-192 B.C., (March 1, 1969), (W.W. Norton), ISBN: 0393004813., By William George Grieve Forrest.

This is a helpful book for the individual researcher who has an ephemeral historical interest in ancient Sparta, but is apathetic on doing an original research on it. W. G. Forrest a distinguished scholar of Herodotus studies provides a historical based text, which introduces ‘Lacedemon’ at over 150 pages throughout Sparta’s ‘golden era.’ His main and the most interest historical argumentation as well as conclusion is the extreme influence of Lycurgus’ doctrine in the socio-political structure of Sparta’s polis.

As I was stated above, the work covers the ‘golden era’ of Sparta, which introduced by Forrest as a vehemently exertion of Sparta’s hegemony over Messenia, that was not treated well by the ‘free-citizens of Sparta.’ The conclusion can be that the Spartans is the only Hellenic culture that treated its slaves’ workforce viciously. That maybe that was the case. In addition, we can state that Forrest is a writer, a researcher, who writes merely about Sparta, because ‘neither loves nor hates.’ However, personally I believe that he presents a ‘dislike’ for Sparta.

Interesting is the main argument of Forrest regarding the fail of Sparta’s ‘rule’ after its defeat by the Thebans in c. 371. A smaller and inefficiently army produced by the lack of men and by ignoring Leonida’s statement to “stand and fight” will never again brought Sparta to its ‘golden era.’

Finally this book is a work for those who want to become familiar with Sparta’s existence. The work provides an introductory story of ‘brutal warriors’ rice and fall.’ It gives information as an outline of Sparta history, which helps, since the account of this short work is so dense.

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