9. Sparta (cont.)

Introduction to Ancient Greek History (CLCV 205)

In this lecture, Professor Donald Kagan explores the development and character of Sparta. He points out that in Sparta, the ethos of the polis was present to an extraordinary degree. Then he describes how this came about. In short, Professor Kagan argues that the Spartans were able to create a distinct military culture on account of their subjugation of the inhabitants of Messenia, who were forced to carry on the work of farming while the Spartans trained for war. Finally, Professor Kagan examines the education and training of the Spartan citizen as well as the constitution of Sparta.

00:00 - Chapter 1. An Introduction to Sparta and Its Roots
20:34 - Chapter 2. Understanding Spartan Slavery and Its Implications
25:25 - Chapter 3. The Training and Education of a Spartan Boy
43:13 - Chapter 4. Sameness, Contradiction and Inequality
49:44 - Chapter 5. Women's Roles in Spartan Society
57:48 - Chapter 6. The Importance of the Polis and Its Needs
01:07:01 - Chapter 7. The Formal Spartan Constitution

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2007.