The Spartans had a reputation that has lasted through the centuries: even today people use the term ‘Spartan’ as a descriptive. But who were they and what were they really like?

This course outlines how Spartan society was organised, including their extraordinary and – to us – outlandish family and education systems as well as questioning their reputation for military brilliance.

The course will demonstrate why Spartans became feared for their military skill at the same time as being admired for their ‘laconic’ sense humour. No previous knowledge of the ancient world is required