One of the most famous Greek city-states was the military polis of Sparta. Characterized by an austere lifestyle that centered on the military training and prowess of its male citizens, Sparta was one of the most feared states in the ancient world. Spartan soldiers began their training at the age of seven when they entered military life. These boys learned that they lived for the good of the state, and to be a soldier of the most savage degree was the highest honor a man could achieve. This documentary explores the rise and fall of this historic culture, and how it influenced and defined ancient Greece. This program re-visits many of the unique features of Spartan society that were discussed in length in Part 1. The second part of the program then looks at Thermopylae and the Persian invasion of Greece during the 5th century BC. Dewey: 938 RIS.