The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta
The Persian Challenge
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
The Persian Challenge
Ratings1
Average rating5
A fresh appreciation of the pivotal role of Spartan strategy and tactics in the defeat of the mightiest empire of the ancient world More than 2500 years ago a confederation of small Greek city-states defeated the invading armies of Persia, the most powerful empire in the world. In this meticulously researched study, historian Paul Rahe argues that Sparta was responsible for the initial establishment of the Hellenic defensive coalition and was, in fact, the most essential player in its ultimate victory. Drawing from an impressive range of ancient sources, including Herodotus and Plutarch, the author veers from the traditional Atheno-centric view of the Greco-Persian Wars to examine from a Spartan perspective the grand strategy that halted the Persian juggernaut. Rahe provides a fascinating, detailed picture of life in Sparta circa 480 B.C., revealing how the Spartans' form of government and the regimen to which they subjected themselves instilled within them the pride, confidence, discipline, and discernment necessary to forge an alliance that would stand firm against a great empire, driven by religious fervor, that held sway over two-fifths of the human race.
Reviews with the most likes.
The Grand Strategy of Classical Sparta by Paul Rahe
Please give my Amazon review a helpful vote - https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2TSKB1CF4Y4TH?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
Because of the title, I came to this book expecting to learn more about Sparta. I thought this book would focus on Spartan strategy, concerns, background, etc. In other words, I relied on the title of the book. In fact, I made my decision to purchase on that basis.
In truth, this book is a very excellent, very informative, very accessible book about the history of the Persian Wars, including substantial material of the period prior to the war. We get a critical assessment of the historians of that epoch, and who can be trusted on which issue and why. All in all, it is an excellent resource.
The greatest insight I obtained from the book had to do with Athens. What I think I picked up - overstating for effect - was that prior to the Persian Wars, Athens was one of the many leading states of Greece, but not a leader. Sparta clearly outranked it in military pre-eminence. What launched Athens out of the pack was the discovery of silver and Themosticles's policy of building ships. (Obviously, Athens had had enough clout to invade Ionia, which set up the promised retaliation by Persia.) The additional ships put Athens into a military leader in the Persian Wars, and the civic pride engendered by its victories at Marathon and Salamis was what created the Athenian mystique.
Again, a kind of oversimplified summary.
Nonetheless, it doesn't have a lot to do with Sparta.
So, forewarned is fore-armed. If you are looking for a focus on Sparta, this is not your book. The book that is here is nonetheless terrific and worth your time.
