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Overview
The city-state of Sparta was the predominant military power in Ancient Greece for nearly two centuries. Its remarkable political and social system produced a seemingly unbeatable hoplite militia. Scott Rusch's book traces Sparta's development as a city-state from its origins c. 950 BC to its defeat by Thebes in 371-369 BC, and its thwarted attempts to regain power thereafter. The focus is on Sparata's leading role in the Persian invasion of Greece in 480-479 BC and in the Peloponnesian War in 431-404 BC. This meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated book is a rich resource for both the student and enthusiast of Ancient Greek military history.
Synopsis
During the eighth century BC, Sparta became one of the leading cities of ancient Greece, conquering the southern Peloponnese, and from the mid-sixth century BC until the mid-fourth, Sparta became a military power of recognized importance. For almost two centuries the massed Spartan army remained unbeaten in the field. Spartan officers also commanded with great success armies of mercenaries or coalition allies, as well as fleets of war galleys.Although it is the stand of the Three Hundred at Thermopylae that has earned Sparta undying fame, it was her victories over both Persian invaders and the armies and navies of Greek rivals that upheld her position of leadership in Greece. Even a steady decline in Spartiate numbers, aggravated by a terrible earthquake in 464 BC, failed to end Spartan dominance. Only when the Thebans learned how to defeat the massed Spartan army in pitched battle was Sparta toppled from her position of primacy.
Scott Rusch examines what is known of the history of Sparta, from the settlement of the city to her defeat at Theban hands, focusing upon military campaigns and the strategic circumstances that drove them. Rusch offers fresh perspectives on important questions of Spartan history, and illuminate some of antiquity's most notable campaigns.