The Bronze Lie, Myke Cole
The Bronze Lie, Myke Cole
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The Bronze Lie
Shattering the Myth of Spartan Warrior Supremacy

Author: Myke Cole

Narrator: Alexander Cendese

Unabridged: 16 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 09/07/2021


Synopsis

Covering Sparta's full classical history, The Bronze Lie examines the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy. The last stand at Thermopylae made the Spartans legends in their own time, famous for their toughness, stoicism and martial prowess—but was this reputation earned? The Spartan hoplite enjoys unquestioned currency as history's greatest fighting man. Spartans were known for their refusal to surrender in the face of impossible odds, even when it meant certain death. But was this simply the success of a propaganda machine? Covering Sparta's full classical history from the foundation of the city-state through to its final overthrow by Rome in the 1st century BC, The Bronze Lie examines the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy and paints a very different picture of Spartan warfare—one punctuated by frequent and heavy losses. Author Myke Cole looks at the major battles, with a special focus on previously under-publicized Spartan reverses that have been left largely unexamined. He reveals why Spartan society became dedicated to militarism, and examines the men who lived under its brutal rule. The result is a refreshingly honest and accurate account of Spartan warfare.

About Myke Cole

Myke Cole has had a colorful and varied career, with a long career in war and crisis response, beginning as a mercenary on contract to the CIA, and transitioning into a federal intelligence position first with DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), and finally with the ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence). He currently works for the NYPD in cyber threat intelligence and lives in Brooklyn, NY.He has published extensively in military history and security, including pieces in the journals of the American Association of Museums and the American Historical Association. In addition, Cole writes two popular military science fiction series, Shadow Ops (Ace) and Sacred Throne (Tor). In addition, he was one of the stars in CBS TV's show Hunted. More at www.MykeCole.com and @MykeCole.5


Reviews

Goodreads review by Peter

I will note for the record that I have known Myke Cole since taking History of the Roman Empire together in college back in 1991. I would say that relationship has no bearing on this review, but that wouldn’t be entirely true. I saw firsthand as Myke taught himself to read ancient Greek so he could s......more

Myke Cole has provided his readers with an interesting product. This is not the work of a serious professional historian. Myke is upfront about this, saying, "My only qualification is that I really, really, like this stuff." He desires to reach a popular audience, informing us, "writing Legion Versus......more

Goodreads review by Lis

Myke Cole sets out to deconstruct the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy, not out of hostility to the Spartans, but frustration with the mythologizing of these very real people who had gifts and virtues, but also flaws. Another significant motivation is the misuse of the myth rather than the reality......more

Goodreads review by Daniel

Excellent and insightful Although I don't agree with everything myke says in this book, he openly admits that alot of history is assumption of things which we can never prove , but to be right was never the endgoal of this book, but to make you think for yourself. He gives you all the information, te......more