DEBUNKING THE SPARTANS

Since ancient times, people have believed that the Spartans were history’s biggest badasses – warriors who never fled, never surrendered and never backed down from a fight. The Spartans were supposedly incorruptible, spurning wealth and luxury, always placing the welfare of their city state above themselves. The notion of the Spartans as selfless, fearless, unbeatable heroes is so widespread that if you type “Spartans” into Amazon you’ll have to scroll through pages of self-help books before you get to any history. Today, an entire industry of fitness fads, mud runs, branded weapons, and everything from apparel to action figures is built on the back of what I have termed “The Bronze Lie”.

It is truly impressive how widespread this false belief is, and just as shocking when you realise how quickly it crumbles with even a cursory glance at the historical sources. Reading the ancient writers