The Gymnasium of Virtue

“A book of major importance which should transform our understanding of the long-term development of Spartan society” — Journal of Hellenic Studies

“Required reading for anyone interested in the study of Greek history and society and in the history of education.” — History of Education Quarterly

“An excellent book, a model not least for its close attention to the sources and insistence on justifiable historical methodology.” — New England Classical Journal

“Kennell superbly untangles an intractable group of problems in Spartan social life. He uses simple, effective literary and linguistic techniques and careful attention to the smallest details to achieve results of permanent significance. . . . Of great significance for collections in ancient history, history of education, and classics.” — CHOICE

“By his meticulous attention to the ancient sources and recognition of the power of invented tradition to reshape seemingly ancient institutions, Kennell has transformed our understanding of how Sparta’s much-debated system of state training evolved through antiquity.” — Antony J. S. Spawforth, University of Newcastle