Free Documentaries Online

A three-part documentary series presented by Bethany Hughes, “The Spartans” is a study on the cuture and history of these warriors. What was it like to become a Spartan or a woman from Sparta? And why did this victorious and powerful civiliation eventually collapse? 

The first part of the series touches on its history and begins with the Dorians in the valley of the Eurotas. It discusses the structure of its people and the training of the young men to prepare them for war. This series culminates in the epic Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans, including King Leonidas, died defending their land from invasion by Persians.

The second part opens after Persia’s retreat and the formation of an alliance between Sparta and Athens. Under the new leader Percicles, Sparta’s economy flourished but the paranoia increased. There were changes made in the marriage system and the role of women. This episode ends with the revolt by Helots and the surrender of a Spartan unit.

The last part of the documentary focuses on Alcibiades, who becomes Sparta’s strategist and adviser to the King. It also shows the rise in power of King Agesilaus who ruled Sparta amidst corruption and decline of its citizens and finally, the war in Thebes, which signaled the end of this civilization.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

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