THE SPARTANS

Synopsis:
Classical historian Bettany Hughes uncovers the fascinating and mysterious story of Sparta's rise and fall. Against the epic backdrop of the battles at Thermopylae, Leutra and the Pelopponesian Wars, she attempts to separate the truth from the myth about this society: how it was organised, how it achieved such military fame and why it failed to endure.

Press Comments:
"A Helen of Troy in jeans"
Mail on Sunday

"Highly engaging"
Observer Magazine

"Bettany Hughes is an informative and effective guide to the strange and chilling world of the Spartans"
Daily Mail Weekend

Distribution Information:
Channel 4 International

Useful Links:
Channel 4: History - The Spartans
PBS Shop - Buy the DVD