Introduction

The Spartans is a three-part historical documentary series presented by Bettany Hughes and first broadcast on UK’s Channel 4 on 17 November 2002.

The series subsequently premiered on ABC in Australia on 1 June 2003 and on PBS in the United States on 6 August 2003.

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Outline

Part 2 opens with the retreat of the Persians, after Thermopylae and the battle of Salamis. Athens, which had been allied with Sparta against Persia, begins to experience an expanded economy (and democracy under the leadership of Pericles).

His construction of the long walls – fortifications which connect Athens to Piraeus – is considered to be a hostile act by an increasingly paranoid Sparta, and is the basis for future discord between the two states.

Meanwhile, Spartan marriage customs are discussed, and the differences in the role of women in Sparta and the rest of Greece is studied (Spartan women were relatively “free”).

At the age of 12, a boy was paired with an older man, usually one of the unmarried warriors, aged between 20 and 30. He was a surrogate mother and father, as well as a teacher and mentor, but he was also a lover.

The 464 BC Sparta earthquake caused massive disruption, allowing the Helots to revolt. A desperate Sparta asks Athens for help, only to change their minds once it is clear that Athens could side with the Helots.

Sparta expels the Athenians and, eventually, war begins.

The surprising surrender of a Spartan detachment on the isle of Sphacteria is a major blow to Sparta’s reputation of invincibility.

The Spartans Series

You can find a full index of The Spartans here.

Production & Filming Details

• Presenter(s): Bettany Hughes.
• Director(s): Tim Kirby and Melanie Archer.
• Producer(s): Tim Kirby.
• Cinematography: Douglas Hartington.
• Production: Lion Television Productions.
• Distributor(s): Channel 4 and PBS.
• Release Date: 17 November 2002.
• Running Time: 175 minutes (total running time).
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.