H.I. Marrou’s A History of Education in Antiquity, Part II (Ad Navseam, Episode 134)

Ad Navseam

The guys are back for Round 2 in our look at the history of education in antiquity through the lens of Marrou’s book. This time we zero in on the ancient Spartans. Wait, Spartans??? Weren’t those guys just a bunch of beefed-up lunkheads whose only education was how to better kill the enemy on the battlefield? Well, not quite. In fact, we learn that the Spartans actually led the way when it came to a number of arts—poetry, music, dance—in addition to their noted emphasis on physical fitness. They did, however, have issues when it came to spelling and ancient versions of spandex. Don’t ask, just tune in!