Title
The Bronze Lie: Shattering the Myth of Spartan Warrior Supremacy,Used
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The story of the Spartans is one of the best known in history, from their rigorous training to their dramatic feats of armsbut is that portrait of Spartan supremacy true? Renowned novelist and popular historian Myke Cole goes back to the original sources to set the record straight.The Spartan hoplite enjoys unquestioned currency as history's greatest fighting man. Raised from the age of seven in the agoge, a military academy legendary for its harshness, Spartan men were brought up to value loyalty to the polis (the citystate) above all else, and to prize obedience to orders higher than their own lives. The last stand at Thermopylae made the Spartans legends in their own time, famous for their brevity and their ability to endure hardship, to control their emotions, and to never surrendereven in the face of impossible odds, even when it meant their certain deaths.But was this reputation earned? Or was it simply the success of a propaganda machine that began turning at Thermopylae in 480 BC? Examining the historical record, both literary and material, paints a very different picture of Spartan armsa society dedicated to militarism not in service to Greek unity or to the Spartan state itself, but as a desperate measure intended to keep its massive population of helots (a nearslave underclass) in line, forcing them to perform the mundane work of farming, cleaning, building and crafting to permit the dandified Spartan citizens (spartiatai) the time they needed to focus on their military training.Covering Sparta's full classical history, The Bronze Lie examines the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy against the historical record, delving into the minutiae of Spartan warfare from arms and armor to tactics and strategy. With a special focus on previously underpublicized Spartan reverses that have been left largely unexamined, it looks at the major battles as well as reexamining major Spartan "victories." Most importantly, it reexamines Thermopylae itself, a propaganda victory utterly out of proportion to its actual impacta defeat that wasn't even accomplished by 300 Spartans, but rather by thousands of allied Greeks, all for the net effect of barely slowing a Persian advance that went on to roam Greece unchecked and destroy Athens itself.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred sixty-four pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of Spartan history and warfare.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a hardcover edition. The durable binding makes it ideal for frequent reading and display.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six point three eight inches in length, one point five nine inches in width, and nine point four nine inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of The Bronze Lie? A: The author is Myke Cole. He is known for blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the historical non-fiction genre. It critically examines the myths surrounding Spartan warriors.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book by simply opening it and following the text from front to back. It's suitable for anyone interested in history.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young readers? A: Yes, this book is suitable for older teens and adults. It contains complex themes and historical analysis that may not be suitable for younger children.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in history? A: Yes, it is suitable for beginners. The writing is accessible while still providing detailed insights into Spartan history.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf to maintain its shape. Keeping it in a dry, cool place will help preserve its quality.
- Q: Can I clean the cover of the book? A: Yes, you can clean the cover with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals to maintain the integrity of the cover.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can return it for a replacement or refund. Check the retailer’s return policy for specifics.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The book is published by Osprey Publishing. They specialize in military history and related topics.
- Q: What is the main theme of The Bronze Lie? A: The main theme is the examination of the myth of Spartan supremacy versus historical evidence. It challenges long-held beliefs about Spartan warriors.
- Q: Are there illustrations or maps in the book? A: Yes, the book includes illustrations and maps that enhance the understanding of Spartan warfare and society.
- Q: What kind of historical sources does the author use? A: The author uses both literary and archaeological sources to provide a comprehensive view of Spartan history.