Most people think they know about Sparta: shining and brave defenders of Greek liberty against the ranks of despotism; the heroic self-sacrificing defenders of Thermopylae, with noble bearing and massive muscles. In this episode Mr Burns contends that this is all, utterly wrong (apart from possibly the muscles). The Spartans were utterly detestable ethnic supremacists who built a society of brutality, exploitation, and violence. Mr Feeney takes a more nuanced position. Who is right? Have a listen to make up your own minds.