032. Sparta : Embassies and Enemies

EPISODE 32 EMBASSIES AND ENEMIES

By the middle of the 6th century, Sparta was, through her alliances, the most powerful military force Hellas had yet seen. There was just one thorn in their side, one pressing issue that hadn't been sufficiently resolved, Argos. 

This time around I'll take an expansive look at the Argive history and break down the enmity between the two cities. Predictably, and it should come as no surprise, it will take war to settle the disputes.

Such power and prestige as they could now muster, the Spartans were being noticed on the world stage. King Croesus of Lydia to the west is desperate for aid against the encroaching Persians. He turns to Sparta, as the most powerful of the Greeks. We'll pick apart the story of Croesus and how it relates to Sparta.

Lastly the focus will be turned to the little known Spartan invasion of Samos in 525 BCE to oust the tyrant Polycrates. Using modern historical analysis, and the ancient source material, I hope to portray the implications of such an undertaking and the possibility of long standing Xenia relationships between Spartan and Samian families.

I hope you all enjoy and take care.

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