The Spartans (2004)
The Spartans (2004) This 3-part PBS documentary examines the ancient Spartans, one of the most extreme societies in world history. Cambridge historian Paul Cartledge served as the consultant and also wrote a companion book to the film. Classicist Bettany Hughes is the on-screen host, providing both informative narration and a charming presence as she guides the viewer across the Spartan world. Much of the film is shot on-location in Greece, which provides a visually stunning backdrop as Hughes discusses the people who lived there in ancient times. Periodically, the film is punctuated by generally effective stylized recreations—hoplites moving in formation, the press of spears and shields in battle, Spartan boys and girls participating in Sparta’s notoriously harsh system of physical education.
The episodes follow a general chronological framework. Part 1 discusses the rise of Sparta, the subjugation of the helots, and the war against Persia. Part 2 contrasts the ancient Sparta with Athens and relates the start of the Peloponnesian War. Part 3 covers Sparta’s draining victory over Athens and its subsequent decline under pressure from foreign powers and its own crushing social system. Amongst the chronological overview, however, the documentary covers a refreshingly diverse range of thematic topics—particularly interesting are the in-depth discussions of sexuality (including Sparta’s institutionalized bisexuality) and women’s roles. The film does not pull away from the militaristic focus of the Spartans, but neither does it ever become a catalogue of rulers and battles (like too many previous documentaries on ancient Greece, such as the earlier and inferior PBS offering The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization).
Bettany Hughes is a strong asset to the film. Her presentation is at turns scholarly, playful, and philosophical but always engaging, and her narration mostly avoids uniquely British colloquialisms that might confuse or turn-off American viewers. In a genre typically dominated by male presenters, Hughes provides a refreshing female perspective on ancient history. One potential drawback is that The Spartans clocks in at a full 3 hours total. Each episode is nearly 60 minutes, which can make it difficult for educators to use in the classroom. Fortunately, tracks on the DVD release are divided up very lucidly and efficiently, so using clips or single segments is easy.
The topics and issues covered by The Spartans are fairly advanced, making this an appropriate film in upper high-school grades and college courses. Before using this documentary for classes younger than high school, educators may want to carefully consider whether their students can handle adults issues raised in the film (such as sexuality, infant exposure, and institutionalized violence).
Scott Metzger Pennsylvania State University sam59@psu.edu
