The common image one has of Sparta is that of a military city-state, where in an atmosphere of austerity and equality, the -not particularly intelligent- Spartans trained daily in the art of war. The reality was more complex.

Military preparation undoubtedly constituted the central goal of the Spartan state, but at the same time, economic disparities were not absent from Sparta, austerity was not so strict and was maintained for a relatively limited period, while the position of women in Spartan society was particularly advanced.

Furthermore, Sparta has demonstrated enviable successes in international politics. For centuries, it was almost continuously the strongest state in the Hellenic region, and even during its period of decline, it managed not only to maintain its independence but also, for a brief period, to regain its supremacy in the Peloponnese.

Even more importantly, all of this occurred despite the fact that the population of Spartan citizens was dramatically decreasing and rival forces opposing Sparta were constantly emerging. The renowned bravery of the Spartans does not provide a sufficient explanation for these successes. Their causes must be sought in the high strategy of the Spartan state.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]