About the book
The Gymnasium of Virtue is the first book devoted exclusively to the study of education in ancient Sparta, covering the period from the sixth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. Nigel Kennell refutes the popular notion that classical Spartan education was a conservative amalgam of “primitive” customs not found elsewhere in Greece. He argues instead that later political and cultural movements made the system appear to be more distinctive than it actually had been, as a means of asserting Sparta’s claim to be a unique society.
Using epigraphical, literary, and archaeological evidence, Kennell describes the development of all aspects of Spartan education, including the age-grade system and physical contests that were integral to the system. He shows that Spartan education reached its apogee in the early Roman Empire, when Spartans sought to distinguish themselves from other Greeks. He attributes many of the changes instituted later in the period to one person — the philosopher Sphaerus the Borysthenite, who was an adviser to the revolutionary king Cleomenes III in the third century B.C.
Editions of The Gymnasium of Virtue
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807858745
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780807822197
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862452
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890870445
Read an Excerpt
The Gymnasium of Virtue is the first book devoted exclusively to the study of education in ancient Sparta, covering the period from the sixth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. Nigel Kennell refutes the popular notion that classical Spartan education was a conservative amalgam of “primitive” customs not found elsewhere in Greece. He argues instead that later political and cultural movements made the system appear to be more distinctive than it actually had been, as a means of asserting Sparta’s claim to be a unique society.
Using epigraphical, literary, and archaeological evidence, Kennell describes the development of all aspects of Spartan education, including the age-grade system and physical contests that were integral to the system. He shows that Spartan education reached its apogee in the early Roman Empire, when Spartans sought to distinguish themselves from other Greeks. He attributes many of the changes instituted later in the period to one person — the philosopher Sphaerus the Borysthenite, who was an adviser to the revolutionary king Cleomenes III in the third century B.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Gymnasium of Virtue about?
The Gymnasium of Virtue is the first book devoted exclusively to the study of education in ancient Sparta, covering the period from the sixth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. Nigel Kennell refutes the popular notion that classical Spartan education was a conservative amalgam of “primitive” customs not found elsewhere in Greece. He argues instead that later political and cultural movements made the system appear to be more distinctive than it actually had been, as a means of asserting Sparta’s claim to be a unique society.
Using epigraphical, literary, and archaeological evidence, Kennell describes the development of all aspects of Spartan education, including the age-grade system and physical contests that were integral to the system. He shows that Spartan education reached its apogee in the early Roman Empire, when Spartans sought to distinguish themselves from other Greeks. He attributes many of the changes instituted later in the period to one person — the philosopher Sphaerus the Borysthenite, who was an adviser to the revolutionary king Cleomenes III in the third century B.C.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Gymnasium of Virtue?
History and Archaeology > History > Ancient history
Where can I read a sample of The Gymnasium of Virtue?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807858745
How long is The Gymnasium of Virtue and how many pages does it have?
The Gymnasium of Virtue has 256 page(s)
Is The Gymnasium of Virtue part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in the History of Greece and Rome
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Gymnasium of Virtue?
Nigel M. Kennell
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Gymnasium of Virtue is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807858745) and altformat(ISBN 9780807822197) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862452) and ebook(ISBN 9798890870445)
Where can I buy The Gymnasium of Virtue online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Gymnasium of Virtue from below
Where can I buy The Gymnasium of Virtue?