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This is the fourth collection of original papers on Sparta on which Powell and Hodkinson have collaborated - a sequel to "Classical Sparta", "The Shadow of Sparta", and "Sparta: New Perspectives". The team of contributors includes most of the established authorities in the field of Spartan history, and deliberately represents the diverse scholarly traditions of many countries. Among the themes addressed are Herodotus' treatment of Sparta; Thermopylai and the tale (ancient and modern) of self-sacrifice; the invention of tradition; iron currency and the Spartan economy; Sparta's out-groups, perioikoi and helots, the usually-nameless people vital for the success of the Lakonian machine.