Sparta and the Greek World

Module code: AH3015

In this module we will treat ancient Sparta in a wide spatial and temporal frame, avoiding the pretence of a seamless narrative—unsupportable given the incomplete evidence—by selecting key aspects from different phases of Spartan history over a long period. 

Topics covered

  • Kingship and government
  • Sparta’s relations with the outside world (e.g. the rest of the Peloponnese, Athens, the Greek colonial milieu, and Persia)
  • Landscape change in Sparta’s territory
  • Aspects of society and culture: art, literature, religion, gender etc
  • The transformation of Sparta into a Roman provincial city.

Learning

  • 9 two-hour seminars
  • one hour of individual supervision on planning coursework

Assessment

  • Presentation, 10–15 minutes (15%)
  • Essay, 2,000 words (35%)
  • Project, 3,000 words (50%)