Sparta was worshipped, by both ancient and modern admirers. But what if the truth behind the myth is weaker, even a little absurd?

In this episode, I go deep into Aristotle’s breakdown of Sparta. A regime that trained its men for war, ignored its women, enslaved its workforce, and collapsed the moment peace arrived.

I also explore what Aristotle thought about Crete, Carthage, and the lawgivers who tried and often failed to build the perfect city.

I also talk about Aristotle's criticism of his contemporary thinkers from Plato’s Republic to Phaleas of Chalcedon

Aristotle's Politics Book II, Chapters 6–12

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:49 Critique of Plato / Socrates

11:35 Understanding Conflict and Crime in Society

20:35 Further Critique of Utopian Thinkers

23:00 Lessons from Sparta, Crete, and Carthage