The Spartan Army

By J. F. Lazenby

For at least two centuries the Spartan army was the most formidable war machine in Greece; the purpose of this book is to show the reasons for this. Professor Lazenby looks first at the composition, training and organization of the army, tracing its roots back to the eighth century BC. The second part analyses some of the main campaigns - Thermopylae, Plataea, Sphakteria, Mantineia, The Nemea, Koroneia, Lechaion and Leuktra. The final part continues the story to the end of Greek independence.

Since this book was first written over 25 years ago, novels, computer games and films such as 300 have raised interest in the Spartan military to new heights. The return to print of this excellent study is sure to interest academics and more general readers alike.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen and Sword
• Release date: Mar 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781848849969

Reviews for The Spartan Army

[Mick Maye · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An academic book which appears to be a treatise for his theories and a rebuttal against other theories. Some of this book is very scholarly however the points are in the main well written. The book follows chronologically the events of Sparta and I found the book enjoyable.