The Collapse Of The Spartan Empire | The Spartans (Part 3/3) | Timeline

The Spartans chronicles the rise and fall of one of the most extreme civilisations the world has ever witnessed. A civilization that was founded on discipline, sacrifice and frugality where the onus was on the collective and the goal was to create the perfect state, and the perfect warrior. Classical historian Bettany Hughes reveals the secrets and complexities of everyday Spartan life: homosexuality was compulsory, money was outlawed, equality was enforced, weak boys were put to death and women enjoyed a level of social and sexual freedom that was unheard of in the ancient world. It was a nation of fearsome fighters where a glorious death was treasured. This can be aptly demonstrated by the kamikaze last stand at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his warriors fought with swords, hands and teeth to fend off the Persian invaders and show the rest of the world what it meant to be Spartan. In the final episode the war between Sparta and Athens reaches a brutal and bloody climax. Sparta finally emerged victorious; now the most powerful city-state in Greece, Sparta became an imperial power. But under the fascinating, flawed King Agesilaus, the dreams of the Spartan Utopia came crashing down. It cannot lay claim to the philosophers or artists of Athens but Sparta contributed as much to western civilisation as Athens did. Indeed it was Sparta, not Athens that was the first city to offer citizenship to its inhabitants. To many, the ideals formed 2500 years ago in Sparta can be seen as a fore-runner of modern-day totalitarianism. By setting out to create a perfect society protected by perfect warriors, Sparta made an enemy of change. A collapsing birth-rate, too few warriors, rebellious slaves, and outdated attitudes to weaponry and warfare combined to sow the seeds of Sparta's destruction. Eventually the once great warrior state was reduced to a stop for Roman tourists who came to view the bizarre sado-masochistic rituals. Documentary first broadcast in 2003.
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[@lorofcb3]

What I like about this series is that it really helps to gain understanding without dumbing the topic down. Such a pleasure to watch

[@AnyoneCanSee]

I agree. One thing I think we do better than the USA in the UK is historical documentaries. The U.S. tends to make most other television better in my opinion with bigger budgets and better writing. We create the odd gem but most of it is poor.

[@josepineda6268]

@@AnyoneCanSee love uk historical documentaries

[@Silirion]

"The greatest omission of all is that it fails to recognize Spartas fatal flaw. That by committing to a radical idea: the pursuit of absolute perfection, Sparta made an enemy of change itself." Impressive summary. Loved the documentary. Thank you very much for posting.

[@anitahugecock278]

The Spartans fatal flaw was that they, both males&females, homosexualized themselves into nonexistance...that is what was fatal because,well, they no longer exist.

[@pdimitropoulou2408]

@@anitahugecock278 really? you think all population of sparta does not exist......Have you studied the origins of the people of modern Sparta??? Where do you think they come from?? you're such a stupid person. The Spartans declined in numbers, they did not become extinct. Get a grip.

[@j.boylan3343]

She points that out at the beginning first couple of minutes in.

[@anitahugecock278]

@@pdimitropoulou2408 lol no i haven't studied them but my comment is getting a hella rise out of you...too funny...

[@que3817]

@@anitahugecock278 You have an interesting name, "Anita."

[@kenbrisby4825]

easily the best video i've seen on the history of Sparta. thanks so much for posting it!

[@josifnietoart5784]

“In the pursuit of perfection you make an enemy of change itself”- Bettany Hughes, Classics historían, in reflection of the rise and fall of Sparta. 😍😍😍

[@plugs313]

Love these ''Timeline'' videos... there are so few high caliber documentaries these days... Fantastic.

[@JonnyShotz]

David Fauvelle Well said. Hear hear.

[@lorenzovandekeere3242]

@devontodetroit So?

[@robertwood9572]

I still appreciate timeline posting them for us to see. I especially like how the presenter can turn a paper or a mundane object into a descriptive and eloquent story

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@devontodetroit - No it isn't. It was made by Lion Television Productions for Channel 4 in the UK. So it shows that excellent documentaries can be made for commercial channels. I don't agree with the licence fee in modern times. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spartans_(TV_series)

[@tklzembawi3645]

@@JonnyShotz 0m5,

[@P.oliver380]

I have learned so much watching this series and it also has inspired me to read and learn more about the ancient world. Thank you for making this.

[@nanahand1959]

I loved this series. I learned a few facts I didn't know about Sparta and the Spartans. I've enjoyed all the Timeline videos I've seen so far. Thanks so much for these!

[@pixel.viking]

Where are parts 1 and 2 of these series?

[@perseuslove1335]

You probably learned not to idolize them because of Hollywood.

[@chrisolson84]

"Sparta made an enemy of change itself"

[@patrickgilligan7176]

another great quality documentary, thanks a lot much appreciated for your time and effort

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Incredibly well written and presented. Such talents on display in the making of this video are rare; truly world class. Other channels and educators alike should take notes.

[@craigdaniel3262]

This has been exactly what I was looking for, after watching 300 tonight...excellent!!!

[@PatrickHutton]

Bettany Hughes is a good narrator. Fascinating subject that carries itself too.

[@nicoangel690]

Bettany....you are indeed wonderful

[@alexanderdavid8441]

love you bethy gal, your the best history doc presenter of all time. straight up g.

[@greenbanana311]

She's awesome AF.

[@MsKestrela]

Excellent series. Thanks for the upload!

[@BJETNT]

Awesome production quality and sound. Thanks for the education. Thanks for downloading it.

[@josron6088]

Brittany Hughes and Lucy Worsley are two of favorite British historians for obvious reasons....

[@wildph0enix]

This series was amazing. Great info and the presenter was very good too.

[@bwda666]

yeah Bettant is clever & HOT----we should see more of her on horseback? OR maybe thtas just me? lol

[@Reeseforthestars]

I agree 😂😂

[@tommyoksanen471]

@KKmies The arts were made by the períoikoi, which were mentioned. And the sage in question was around 555 bc. The main point is that Sparta was an unchanging militaristic society doomed by its practices, which doesn't change with these slight omissions in a less than 3-hour documentary, which also covers Athens and the general history of Greece at this time. Although I'll definitely watch Sparta Reconsiderd. Thanks!

[@deeplorable8988]

The presenter is infatuated with statue penises.

[@johnbanks4761]

I watch anything historical with this historical show presenter, she really knows her subject and explains it in an intelligent thoughtful way that makes you see what she is explaining and showing

[@brianhunt9614]

Having walked those time worn paths in my younger days I give your narration great laurels. You wove a poetic and beautifully paced Hellenic epic. Thank you.

[@barrywalls7175]

Very well presented and very informative, thank you

[@courtneygoff6513]

Watched the trio and am very impressed !! So we’ll done and love the woman telling the story

[@MatthewEcclesiastes]

Wonderful documentary simply wonderful. The commentator is one of the best imo

[@wendell8288]

Watched the entire series because of playing Assassin's Creed Odessey during quarantine. Thank you for the history lesson!

[@topasioo]

Congratulations Perfect. I love the scenery bc it shows a picture of what I have read and never seen before.

[@SquareEyes-lc5nk]

Intresting. Love how you present history.

[@joelmatthew2508]

What a wonderful narrator Very eloquent Timeline is unrivalled in history docos

[@youvebeengreeked]

*23:48* *Me: "She said the thing! She said the thing!"*

[@carollever4662]

Thank you for your informative documentary which I really enjoyed Doctor.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Absolutely superb production. Bettany Hughes is a superlative presenter, fabulous.

[@charlesdewitt1296]

This has not only changed and solidified my understanding of the Spartans. It has changed the way I see the world around me by considering the functionally archaic way they thought, taught, and fought

[@Patrick77487]

Excellent series. Thank you.

[@LukenPlay]

Superb series. An eye opener. Thank you for the work.

[@thew-heat5525]

This woman is wonderful, and definitely nice to look at. She makes ancient history even more interesting!

[@nomorediets]

Such an awesome series and great learning. Thank you for this!

[@derekaduncan]

WOW...really nice excellent historical info.

[@MegzeeR]

awesome documentary!! KUDOS to all involved creating it :)

[@porkfat8109]

A very good documentry, I enjoyed it and learned many things.

[@tyrannicidalmaniac9115]

I loved seeing her on TV. Documentaries now have lost their magic. This documentary represented a golden age. She was very pretty too 😍

[@irishelk3]

Absolutely brilliant, 10 out 10. Harsh times, very interesting, but boy was it tough, and i never knew that they were beaten by other city states like Athens and Thebes and that they eventually got their own navy, i'm surprised she didn't mention the fact that Thebes had on their side, the revered Beotian League and no mention of some other skirmishes between them and Sparta which took place around the same time. Greece is amazing country, that was great.

[@morningstar9233]

The irony being that by extinguishing her weak in favour of the strong , Sparta was ultimately weakened and extinguished.

[@quabledistocficklepo3597]

morningstar That has a nice ring to it, but it is a complete distortion of what really happened.

[@morningstar9233]

@@quabledistocficklepo3597 There were doubtless other contributing factors to the demise of Sparta but to say its a complete distortion is incorrect.

[@thx1138sixnine]

Please define the weak Sparta extinguished? Slaves? Conscripts? Subjegated commercial class? ... which people(s)? 🌸👸🏽🌸

[@morningstar9233]

@@thx1138sixnine Regulus its discussed in the documentary. Were you paying attention? :)

[@nicoangel690]

@@quabledistocficklepo3597 please explain

[@vcar7960]

"That is how men of sparta greet one another. High fives for the women... and open-mouth tongue kisses for the men." -Leonidas

[@Silverzzx22]

Excellent documentary

[@abeddani992]

In love with the colorful and descriptive expressions used

[@pezelbuda]

Excelente video, es un placer saber ingles al nivel de entender todo sin subtítulos, poder ver estos videos sin tener q acudir a la versión en español.

[@davidedbrooke9324]

Good video. I’ve been to the Theban triumph at leuctra. Looks very different than even this video, ad new canal and arable fields a new tarmac road. But still there was an amazing atmosphere about the place.

[@nikolaosmark3511]

Both English and even German tourists complain why we build our road network ( I'm not talking for the main network the connects the entire Greece and none should complain about ). Today we have the newest, even better than most of Europe, but still some roads, I recognize it myself as a Greek, should have remained unchanged. The Germans were complaining for another road uphill slightly leading to another monument and the surroundings are even more amazing. They felt, too, new modern Tarmac didn't fit with the surroundings and wanted the old gravel one. And these are some conservative Germans that come in Greece every year not wanting to go anywhere else, noticing every little thing.

[@davidedbrooke9324]

@@nikolaosmark3511 It’s your country! I’ve driven extensively there lovely place roads good and drivers mostly very polite.

[@newg3423]

Such a pleasant narrator she makes the program a whimsical experience kinda like your there at the battlefield..... Nicely done 👍👌🌹

[@juliennef1698]

Best of British 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@assain22ify]

to the beautiful host of these excellent historical documentaries, I appreciate you

[@simonascough4898]

So why did you score her less than 3? I thought she was very good and would score her >8

[@rriquelmy3522]

Beautifully done.

[@stevenhall8964]

I love the historical timeline and the depth in which they take it, many people dont know about much of this information on Sparta! AND THE NARRATOR IS A STONE COLD FOX!!

[@metacomet2066]

Excellent production, well narrated, thanks for this!

[@Sternodox]

I could listen to her do a two hour documentary on the history of wallpaper.

[@rriquelmy3522]

How wonderful it must be to be Bettany Hughes.

[@garyenwards1608]

Bettany Hughes for The Sprtn Win!

[@brendaproffitt1011]

Totally incredible video and the information on this is great to..Thank you so much

[@tdc9484]

Brenda Proffitt the presenter ain't half bad either

[@Eaglehaslanded75]

absolutely!

[@como778]

Just found out about Timeline, Going to recommend to all of my curious friends. Thank you so much for uploading these for free.

[@indydude3367]

Everything about this presentation is superb; the research, the writing, the shots, the narration.

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

And the presenter.

[@robinaboy]

@@terraflow__bryanburdo4547 my thoughts exactly. What a honey. Lol.

[@andreasleonardo6793]

Nice historical video with clear explaining of events and movement through emotions af Athens and Spartans in struggle period ...and interfering of Persian pressure in their territory

[@spencerlucas3065]

Very enlightening!

[@shakthidhasan4544]

Love the series, very well done, my head is exploding with iq. Its never been introduced to so many. Cheers

[@originaluddite]

I came for the history but was partly held here by the atmospheric music.

[@wieloryb7887]

This one is classic Betthany Hughe’s one!

[@Atamaii]

"A link to the past"? How about links to Parts I and II?

[@HipiO7]

Here you go: Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqkdq2MhNZ7frc Part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2q6e3eCpcyiabc

[@iralee1180]

Just go to KZbin and download parts 1&2. Are you ignorant, stupid or stoned? Ira Lee Ph.D.

[@justinmartin4662]

Well, they aren’t labeled part one or two, so if anything it’s the person who put the label 3/3 on the last while giving the others individual names that’s stupid.

[@justinmartin4662]

If you think putting a phd on the end of you name makes you smarter then your sadly mistaken.

[@winifredwilkie4916]

@@iralee1180 🙄

[@andrewmorke]

Fabulous presentation by the narrator.

[@ernestofranco3084]

I've been looking for a simple but complete analytical history of ancient Greece for a long time. Thank you Timeline. And thanks to the Brits for keeping the rest of us entertained with high-quality content.

[@pdimitropoulou2408]

you better read a history book, and not her fairy-tales.......High quality content!?!?!?!??????

[@gmeachim3270]

@@pdimitropoulou2408 Where was she wrong? And which history books should we read o "enlightened" modern Greek? Do you think you know more than a professor of classical history? Think again.

[@Argue-Naught]

Great as Bettany usually is (and better still - was) her account of the 371 bc Battle of Leuctra is OUTSTANDINGLY wrong. This battle, by the way, is a classic example of tactical innovation, force concentration and unorthodox military leadership. It is still being studied in every military academy of the world. If the Theban force exceeded the Spartan army 3 to 1, as Bett puts here, there would be nothing much to study. With the odds overwhelmingly set like this in their favor, the Thebans would simply envelope the Spartans, encircle them and no tactical innovations would be needed. The actual situation was just the reverse - Thebans were outnumbered by the Spartans and their allies by almost 2:1. So before the battle the Spartans had double advantage - superior numbers AND superior military training. And that's where the Theban general - Epaminondas - came up with his innovative deployment idea. By the way - there is every indication that Phillip II of Macedon, Alexander's father, got his ideas for Macedon phalanx's deep formation while staying in Thebes as a royal hostage (368-365 bc). So this battle was not a "go tell the Spartans" for the Spartans. It was a very shameful defeat. The rest is History

[@gmeachim3270]

Do you have any sources on that? I would like to dig a little deeper myself.

[@danielmarisi5530]

Great documentary!

[@stewartisaac2160]

Very good, loved it.

[@bobbybaldwin4229]

u r an amazing storyteller

[@IceglacierArnar]

well done documentary

[@SallyAlexandriaAlexParakeets]

Excellent documentary.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

23:46 - "This is Sparta." Bettany Hughes for the BBC said it first. This series is from 2002 and the movie 300 from 2006.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

​@Anthony Tsatsis - My comment was only meant to be lighthearted in nature. But, they didn't speak English, they spoke a Doric version of the Greek language.

[@timothylong8601]

Beautiful and intelligence 👍

[@bingeltube]

Very recommendable

[@rawfrequency1453]

amazing, I always wondered what happened to sparta and why they perished. Good information here. Sparta neglected change and sought perfection therefore creating its own demise in the end.

[@sylviamaresca8852]

Outstanding video

[@starkilr101]

For anyone looking to see more on the Spartans, read Sparta: Rise of a Warrior Nation. Great book

[@markcurwen3239]

Once again Bettany delivers an excellent documentary.

[@donnadequire-rios3531]

U r so great at these videos. I am just loving these videos on Spartan's. Thanks. God bless.

[@przemekpiasecki4062]

Donna DeQuire-Rios God bless? R u some kind of HELENA?

[@xdeighteen2980]

Perhaps

[@timpatrick2109]

I like the sound track in this series.

[@jasonleslie203]

They truly were an amazing group of people.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Don't you mean Gods? Are you some sort of atheist denying the Greek Gods?

[@leesattin3637]

Awesome! Please can we have all parts! I can’t find it anywhere!

[@Kh088]

Makes me uneasy this randomly came on while I am in the middle of playing sparta in civ 6 ....

[@ioannagiannia1742]

Beautiful

[@kennethfox1586]

Exceptional content

[@Harry-lq2jz]

I LOVED (!!) the last sentence summarizing the ultimate cause of the Spartan demise!! Also loved how she, in her own way, modified Simon Sharma's yet-unparalleled TV series, A History of Britain, and it kind of works. WELL DONE, Bettany Hughes!!!! :DDDD

[@djosearth3618]

Enjoyed a great pomegranate while watching this !! *;]*

[@wowwow4239]

Ms hughes should be a national treasure

[@charlesburroughs9770]

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."!!! Credited to writer and philosopher George Santayana!!!

[@frantisekjanosik5339]

Bettany is awesome..

[@HenryDownes]

Dig the artwork throughout these. Thanks!

[@noelleb.9143]

No offense but I feel like someone stranded me on an alien underwater planet with that music in the first few seconds. The music is sooo trippy.

[@fchan4453]

Oweoweoweoweowe aaaaa

[@chipwalter4490]

I noticed this type of echo chanting in Fellini's "Satyricon" years ago... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4rJm2RjedOgnK8 The music in Satyricon as far as I remember, is from Indonesia. I know its from South Asia and recorded by David Attenborough's early BBC Nature Show in the 1950's, called Zoo Quest. Years after owning the Satyricon DVD and being very familiar with that music, while working my way through episodes of Zoo Quest on the BBC Iplayer, there it was- that "crazy Ancient Roman Song" . Being played live by South Asians. If you want to dig into the archives and find it yourself, here's a good place to start: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/tzmt35qBFnSPT0NK30kfl8/sir-david-attenborough-world-music-collector I'm not a musicologist, but I know Ancient Greeks used chants and choruses in their Dramas, and Rome was started by Greeks. I suppose Fellini seized on those associations when he chose to include that Zoo Quest field recording in his film score.. It's a weird turn of aesthetics, that now, this Indonesian Music echo chanting sound has come to be associated with Greek or Roman culture through modern films and documentaries. I do believe some historical Greek and Roman music is still able to be read and played by Ancient Music specialists. Makes me wonder if any of their actual music contains that "Zoo Quest" sound with the accelerating, echoing chorus..?

[@GrainneMhaol]

Jagajagajagajaga

[@socairnone5550]

We definitely need more historians that look like Bettany Hughes

[@jonathanlindsey463]

it is so much easier to pay attention when ur teacher is as beautiful and intelligent as she is

[@ManishGupta-zr3zq]

Wow... what a stunning three part series on Spartans..... must see.... Greek city states were not all same!!

[@sarahburggraf861]

Good vid

[@guillaumecds5833]

Thanks!

[@antondavis33]

This series has the most unusual music I’ve ever heard in a documentary; random scraping noises, aboriginal stuff, some throat singing. Don’t know what they were going for.

[@coffymix2269]

Well, at least they didn't go with rap music

[@jeffolsen4983]

TV? This series is excellent.

[@kientekarladambo1877]

Love d series Do more of others

[@noodletitan9086]

Awesome video

[@evilqtip7098]

GOD I love this woman she is A' fantastic Historian .