Interview: Prof. Paul Cartledge – Sparta, A Remarkable Polis

Are you ready to travel back in time and unravel the mysteries of ancient Greek philosophy with me, Mark Selleck, and our distinguished guest, Jack Visnjic, or as you might know him, Lantern Jack, is renowned for his profound knowledge in this philosophical domain. With a PhD in Ancient Philosophy from Princeton University, Jack brings an understanding that transcends time, illuminating the rich world of ancient Greek thinkers.

Our journey will transport you to the birthplace of philosophy, navigating through the socio-political intricacies of that era that birthed philosophical thought. We'll explore the groundbreaking ideas of pre-Socratic philosophers, before venturing into the epic intellectual realms of Socrates and Plato. Plato's revolutionary Theory of Forms and his famed allegory of the cave, which continue to evoke intrigue, will also take center stage. Our philosophical odyssey doesn't end there. The influence of the legendary Aristotle, his unique philosophical framework, and his invaluable contributions to science and logic will also be brought to light.

As we move forward in time, we'll examine the evolution of Greek philosophy, including the emergence of Stoicism, Epicureanism, and skepticism during the Hellenistic period. We'll delve deep into metaphysical concepts and the impact of this philosophy on modern ethical thinking. So, strap in for an enlightening journey through time and thought. Remember to stay connected and subscribe for more insightful episodes.

In our return to the tumultuous third year of the war, the Chalcidice comes back into focus once more with renewed operations. The siege of Potidaea may have found resolution in the previous year, but with lingering hostility in the Chalcidice, Athens is forced to act. A fresh operation aims to secure Athens' base in Potidaea, a move designed to solidify their influence in the region. Little did they know, this venture would soon become an early lesson in the challenges of facing effective light troops.

Simultaneously, back on the Greek mainland, the stage is set for a gripping saga. Minor Peloponnesian allies successfully sway Sparta into launching a campaign at the mouth of the Corinthian Gulf. Embarking with only a portion of the Peloponnesian fleet, the Spartans face a cautious journey past the Athenian base of Naupactus. The amphibious operation, once arriving at its location encounters setbacks, grappling with issues of ill-discipline, divided forces, and the defenders' ingenious use of terrain, leading to a failed mission.

At Naupactus, the keen-eyed Athenian general, Phormio, observes the initial fleet sail by. However, when the remainder attempts to slip past, he springs into action. Despite being outnumbered, Phormio's superior tactics and intimate knowledge of the area secure a resounding victory. Nevertheless, the Spartans, undeterred after their land defeat, regroup for another naval engagement, placing the Athenians in a dire numerical predicament.

This time around, the odds are stacked against Phormio. After losing half his fleet, fortune smiles upon him, allowing his naval command prowess to shine. Athenian losses are miraculously recovered, and the Peloponnesian forces find themselves in a hasty retreat. Yet, Sparta, yearning for a triumph to bring home, decides on a bold move—an attempt to assault Athens' home port, the Piraeus.

However, the gods seem to favour Athens. Bad weather and a touch of commander hesitancy conspire against the Spartan ambitions, leaving them without the favourable news they sought for the year. Join us as we navigate the treacherous waters of ancient conflict and witness the highs and lows of naval warfare in this gripping chapter of the Peloponnesian War.

This is a teaser of the bonus episode, Tactics at Marathon found over on Patreon.

Are the Greeks merely reacting to circumstances, or are they consciously looking to influence the situation to their advantage in the Battle of Marathon? This episode tackles this provocative question head-on, as we revisit this ancient battlefield and scrutinize specific areas of the conflict. We navigate the complex terrain of ancient battlefield tactics, their gradual evolution in Greece, and how they adapted to shifting battlefield conditions. Engage in a stimulating debate among historians about the extent of Greek tactical thinking. Discover the Greeks' decision-making process upon reaching Marathon, especially regarding the strategic placement of their camp. 

Take a step back into time and witness the Greeks' decision to thin their battle line, their advancement on the Persian line at a running pace, and their meticulous positioning of the camps. All these contribute to a greater understanding of their battlefield strategies and the thought processes that influenced them. This episode offers a unique window into ancient military tactics, inviting you to speculate on how these tactics translated into actions on the battlefield. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about ancient warfare, this bonus episode will satisfy your appetite for knowledge, as it expands your understanding of the Battle of Marathon. Remember, the full episode is available on Patreon, where members get exclusive access to these bonus episodes as a token of appreciation for their invaluable support to the show. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and eye-opening revelations on ancient Greece's military manoeuvres and strategies.

If you would like to hear more and support the series click on the Patreon link at the bottom of the page or you can head to my website to discover other ways to support the series, HereI