Greek Superpower

Sparta in the Self-Definitions of Athenians

Anton Powell editor Paul Cartledge editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Classical Press of Wales

Published:28th Sep '18

Should be back in stock very soon

Greek Superpower cover

Sparta, notoriously, was for Greeks the greatest Hellenic military, or moral, power for most of the fifth, as well as the early fourth, century.Greeks – in later times – saw Athens as 'the Hellas of Hellas', but in the classical period many Athenians thought otherwise. Athens might be a school of Hellas, but the school of Hellas was Sparta. Militarily and morally, Sparta was supreme. This book explores how Athenians – ordinary citizens as well as writers and politicians – thought about Sparta's superiority. Nine new studies from an international cast examine how Athenians might revere Sparta even as they fought her. This respect led to Plato's literary creation of fantasy cities (in the Republic and Laws) to imitate Spartan methods. And, after its military surrender in 404 BC, ruling Athenian politicians claimed that their city was to be remodelled as itself a New Sparta.

This impressive volume complements its congeners. * Classical Journal *

ISBN: 9781910589632

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 606g

249 pages