Sparta At War: Strategy, Tactics and Campaigns, 950–362 BC

This is a great overview of the history of the Lacedaemons, a people who viewed themselves as the "sons of Hercules." Scott Rusch does a terrific job of piecing together Spartan history by referencing primary & secondary ancient sources such as Xenophon, Herodotus, Thucydides, Diodorus and Plutarch.As Rusch points out, the Spartan strategy was comprised in a military machine that focused on superior soldiering over superior generalship. Even when Spartan generals turned out to be inept (which they did from time to time), the Spartan phalanx could still deliver Sparta a victory on the battlefield via a brutal combat training regimen. In short, even if you out-schemed the Spartans on the battlefield, they could still pound your land army into submission.This is a book whose target audience is comprised of people who have a fascination with the historical denizens of Laconia. It is not recommended for people who may have accrued a passing interest after seeing the  300 [HD ] and  300: Rise of an Empire [HD ] movies. While entertaining, both of these films have some serious historical fudging. For those who had their interest piqued by these films but are @ the same time unwilling to read a hardcore history book such as this one, I would recommend  Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae .For people who enjoy the present book, I would also recommend  Sparta , Sparta and Lakonia: A Regional History 1300-362 BC , Spartan Women , On Sparta (Penguin Classics)  and  The Spartans: The World of the Warrior-Heroes of Ancient Greece by Cartledge, Paul unknown Edition [Paperback(2004) ]. Whatever books you choose to read or not read, just remember that Sparta lives in our reflections on the ancient Greek world!

Few ancient cultures have captured the imagination like Sparta, especially with their prominence these past several years in popular culture. This book was an enjoyable and informative read that talked about the important years of Spartan history, from its beginning to decline. The author was thorough regarding the various battles and political conflicts that were involved, and made good use of various ancient resources.

This is a slow, tough read at times (especially the beginning, but it does pick up); however, the scholarship and information are excellent. Again, if you are interested in the subject - great information. I almost gave it 3 stars; as I've mentioned the writing is dry and matter-of-fact. Then again, without embellishment or adding fictional elements, any author would have a difficult task. In the end, the author did a great job of combining many historical sources into as detailed and informative a chronology as possible.

I liked the beginning. However in the second half it was just a list of events with no real analysis of changing tactics or changes in the Spartan system.

Good historical writing. So many cities, leagues and little known personalities tend to make the narrative confusing. A good dictionary of Greekculture definitely a good help.

If focuses mostly on the Peloponnesian War , but it does so masterfully, covering most ( if not all) available sources.its a great summary of Thucydides , Xenophon and Plutarch, amongst others.It proposes a reasonable explanation for the rise and fall of Sparta, and also presents a very well studied picture of the mediterranean and greek states during the aforementioned period.Worth reading for the curious and the enthusiast, and saves time - so that you don't have to dig through so many sources to reach a similar conclusion.

Great read...

Interesting topic

Along with Cartledge, this is the best contemporary research history of the Spartans and their place in ancient warfare. Assigned to my MA military history students.

Excellent

It's a commendable blow-by-blow history of Spartan operations. But be warned that it is NOT a history of Spartan strategy as the subtitle claims - it barely considers this critical element. Another review complains that the writing style is boring. This is untrue and unfair. It's a dry, factual book that goes into a lot of detail. It does so without trying especially to entertain, but it's both clear and concise. It's a serious book, not a 300 novelization.

good study of the spartan way of war, readable and informative

this is very good reading material i loved reading this story and it downloaded to my kindle straight away so i could read it straight away