On the eve of the Peloponnesian War in 432 BC, the wise king of Sparta, Archidamus, was summoned to address a clash between the Corinthians and Athenians. Corinth, an ally of Sparta, warned that ...

Athens and Sparta represented for classical thinkers distinct and opposing regimes. Democratic Athens took pride in its freedom, openness, and accomplishments in the arts and philosophy. Oligarchic ...

Despite being rivals, many Athenians admired the government, clothing, and austerity of the Spartans. Falling prey to “Laconophilia,” some began to adopt the mannerisms and even dress like their ...

The recent election gives us yet another reason to examine the history of Athens, the first known democracy of the world. Specifically relevant is the period during the Peloponnesian war when the ...