The History of The Peloponnesian

In part due to the release of the film Troy, PBS Home Video and Paramount have issued a fine three-part documentary look at The Spartans (2003), hosted by the very well spoken historian Bettany Hughes. On location, riding all over Greece, miss Hughes tells us the story in chronological order with little overlap between the three shows.

Even though you might never stop to think about it, the ancient world and the civilizations it produced are with you in almost everything you do. The ancient world has influenced our customs and religious beliefs, our laws, and the form of our governments. It has taught us when and how we make war or pursue peace. It has shaped the buildings we live and work in and the art we hang on our walls. It has given us the calendar that organizes our year and has left its mark on the games we play.