Pretty much everyone alive today knows the caricature of the Ancient Spartan warrior. Decked out in a round shield with a Λ on its face, a red cloak, and a crested helmet, the classic Spartan hoplite lives on in 21st century culture through movies, mascots, and military memorabilia. Our culture is Sparta-obsessed!

As it happens, 21st century English speakers aren't the only ones obsessed with Ancient Sparta. During the days of the Roman Empire, Sparta was a popular place to visit...as a tourist destination! What was it like to visit this Roman-era military-themed tourist trap? Was it anything like the tourist traps visitors try to avoid today? How did the elite warrior society of the Ancient Greeks evolve into a playground for Roman elites? What's it like for tourists to visit modern S

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