The war between Sparta and Athens reaches a brutal and bloody climax in Sicily. Sparta finally emerges as victorious. Now the most powerful city-state in Greece, Sparta is an imperial power. But under the fascinating, flawed King Agesilaus, the dreams of the Spartan utopia come crashing down. By setting out to create a perfect society protected by perfect warriors, Sparta makes an enemy of change. A collapsing birth rate, too few warriors, rebellious slaves and outdated attitudes to weaponry and warfare combine to sow the seeds of Sparta's destruction, until eventually the once great warrior state is reduced to a stop for Roman tourists who came to view bizarre sadomasochistic rituals. Yet even today, centuries later, the Spartan ideal continues to inspire, fascinate and influence.
