B119 Sparta and Totalitarianism with Professor Susan Downie

The ancient Greek city state of Sparta has never really left the imagination of western civilization from political philosophers, like Plato and Aristotle, to modern political parties, such as the Greek “Golden Dawn” (Χρυσή Αυγή), the Spartan state and its citizens have represented an “ideal” for which to strive. What elements of the ancient Sparta state and society have made it the poster child for modern Totalitarianism? Given the significant problems with our sources about ancient Sparta can we ever understand exactly are the state and citizens function or must we forever deal with the “Spartan mirage”? (The presentation will deal with the Nazi Party).

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 1:00 pm at KBI

cost: $10