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Book

The Spartan

by Caroline Dale Snedeker

See its constellation

Published
1912
Genre
Historical Fiction
Pages
482
URL
https://www.amazon.com/Spartan-Caroline-Dale-Snedeker/dp/127679939X

Reading measures

Suggested reading age
ages 17–18
Ambleside year
Year 12 onwards · ages 17–20

An Ambleside year is a year of the Ambleside Online programme, not a reader's age. Year 0 is its first year, and a book used over several years shows the span. The ages beside it are that band offered two grades up and none down, which is how we offer a band; they are a placement, not a reading measure.

Eventually, Leonidas becomes King, and Aristodemos is one of the famous 300 Spartan soldiers who follow Leonidas to hold the pass of Thermopylae when the Persians invade Greece. Leonidas sends Aristodemos on a spy mission to discern the strength of the Persian army. He is captured, and when he finally escapes, he is blinded by a contagious eye inflammation, thus being unable to participate in the tragic battle. When he returns to Sparta as the only survivor, he is unfairly branded as a coward. Not wishing his adopted son to share his curse, he goes to Delphi to see if the oracle can reveal who the boy's father is and then takes Mendi to Italy to find his real father. Relieved of this responsibility, he joins first the Athenian and then the Spartan units at the battle of Plataea in hopes of redeeming his honor. Will Aristodemos achieve his aim? What will happen to him?

Tags

ArmyHistory-Ancient GreeceInterpersonal Relationships-FriendshipLegendSpartansWar