One of the key moments in Herodotus’ chronicle of the Persian wars comes at the narrow mountain passage of Thermopylae. Hopelessly outnumbered, but never outclassed, 300 Spartans led a contingent of ...
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 ...