Biblical Archeology Lecture: Sparta and the Sea

Lecturer: Nicholas Cross, U.S. Naval Academy. The Spartans are commonly depicted as the quintessential land army but as incompetent in maritime matters. Even when they assumed control of the seas at the end of the Peloponnesian War, it was only for a few years.
But this view of their unfamiliarity with the sea comes from Atheno-centric sources and the “Spartan mirage,” the exaggerated view of Spartan militarism. Instead, as this presentation will show, there had been maritime ventures beginning early in Sparta’s history. Admission is free for BAF members; general admission $10 cash or check at the door.