Rise and Fall of the Spartans | Code of Honor (Part 1)

A 2002 History Documentary narrated by Edward Herman.

The documentary analyzes one of the most important civilizations of all times. Rise and Fall of the Spartans addresses questions as fundamental as education, military strategy and the spartan lifestyle, supported by testimony of expert historians.

Episode 1: It analyze the social structure and governance of Sparta. Their strong moral sense and stoic way of life, without superfluous luxuries and always attentive to the needs of the government, made them a prosperous people who sought equality among its citizens. The art of war, which were not too innovative on, despite having forged a legend, controlled the rest of the facets of social life. Thus, the arts, such as architecture, poetry or drama had no place within the Spartan model, contrary to what happened in flourishing Athens. Violence and the conquest became the only accepted way of life, for which the government should interfere in all aspects of social life. This explains how just after birth the first selection was taking place : those children born with a defect or that would not be fit for war were abandoned by their parents. This unique method ensured the possibility of having a strong race of warriors, who perpetuated the Spartan model. The strict military training which children were submitted to from seven years on, and the full and absolute dedication of women to the task of bringing children into the world became one of the pillars on which rested spartan civilization. Code of honor deepened further in the sharp division that sought to achieve social stability, order and, above all, obedience.

It was the year 480 a. C.. At the straits near the city of Salamis, a phalanx of 7,000 Greeks and 300 Spartan warriors are moving against the forces of hundreds of Persian invaders. During three days of heavy fighting, the decimated ranks of Spartans bear the onslaught of the Persian attacks, in a matchless resistance which seriously undermined the morale of the enemy invader. This was one of the defining moments in the history of the West. Who fought a losing battle in advance to defend their virtue and their country? What kind of men methodically fought to escape death? This segment explores the mainstays of life in Sparta, including society, the government and how to build marriages.

Part 2: https://rumble.com/v73wgim-rise-and-fall-of-the-spartans-tides-of-war-episode-2.html