Andrea Scarpato
An ancient historian and classicist with a strong academic record and several skills in teaching and archival cataloguing.
My main fields of research are Interstate Relations in the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Hellenistic Sparta, Hellenistic Cretan states and application of International Relations (IR) theories to the evidence from the past (mainly literary texts and inscriptions).
I am currently working as Research Development Officer at the De Montfort University and AA Exams Invigilator and Teaching Associate at the University of Leicester.
My research seeks to understand the role of Spartan individuals on the international stage, the distribution of decision-making power - in domestic and foreign policy - among Spartan governing bodies (assembly, gerousia, ephorate, kings) during the Classical and Hellenistic periods and the presence of continuity or change in Spartan interstate relations. I am particularly interested in the transition of decision-making power across networks of individuals, the first encounter between Spartans and Romans and its consequential interactions.
I have previously worked as a Graduate Teaching Associate at the University of Leicester (2015-18) at the School of Archaeology and Ancient History. I taught undergraduate modules (Introduction to Greek History, Introduction to Roman History, Latin, Greek) to first year students. I participated and contributed to the development of seminars (Classical and Hellenistic States, The Greek World after Alexander) for second year students. I was singled out for praise in the LUMES (Leicester University Module Evaluation System) questionnaire for the seminars "Introduction to Greek History" (2018-19).
My PhD Archaeology and Ancient History dissertation explored Spartan Foreign Policy in the Third Century BC. It addressed the role of some individuals in Spartan foreign policy and their contribution in salient events of this poorly documented period.
Address: School of Archaeology and Ancient History
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester, LE1 7RH
My main fields of research are Interstate Relations in the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Hellenistic Sparta, Hellenistic Cretan states and application of International Relations (IR) theories to the evidence from the past (mainly literary texts and inscriptions).
I am currently working as Research Development Officer at the De Montfort University and AA Exams Invigilator and Teaching Associate at the University of Leicester.
My research seeks to understand the role of Spartan individuals on the international stage, the distribution of decision-making power - in domestic and foreign policy - among Spartan governing bodies (assembly, gerousia, ephorate, kings) during the Classical and Hellenistic periods and the presence of continuity or change in Spartan interstate relations. I am particularly interested in the transition of decision-making power across networks of individuals, the first encounter between Spartans and Romans and its consequential interactions.
I have previously worked as a Graduate Teaching Associate at the University of Leicester (2015-18) at the School of Archaeology and Ancient History. I taught undergraduate modules (Introduction to Greek History, Introduction to Roman History, Latin, Greek) to first year students. I participated and contributed to the development of seminars (Classical and Hellenistic States, The Greek World after Alexander) for second year students. I was singled out for praise in the LUMES (Leicester University Module Evaluation System) questionnaire for the seminars "Introduction to Greek History" (2018-19).
My PhD Archaeology and Ancient History dissertation explored Spartan Foreign Policy in the Third Century BC. It addressed the role of some individuals in Spartan foreign policy and their contribution in salient events of this poorly documented period.
Address: School of Archaeology and Ancient History
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester, LE1 7RH
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Journal Articles by Andrea Scarpato
The comparison of Spartan decision making with the activation in 2009 of the EU’s Solidarity Clause, included in Article 222 of The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), indicates that the activation of this clause too required the consensus of several European governing bodies. By bringing to light the critical role played by smaller networks of power in foreign policy decision making in the ancient and the current-day EU alliances, this article exposes both the merits and the limits of the Realist international relations theory.
Edited Volumes by Andrea Scarpato
Each chapter promotes interdisciplinary approaches to a wide range of ancient evidence and material culture, and offers a renewed understanding of how socio-political transformations unfolded within the region. Together they shed new light on key agents of the period and their interactions, material evidence and political history both in and beyond the Peloponnese – from the enduring Macedonian influence in the 3rd century BCE and the violence and terror tactics deployed within the Achaian Koinon, to strategies of identity construction and memory politics wielded by local elites – and will be crucial points of reference for graduate students and scholars with an interest in the region.
Conference Papers by Andrea Scarpato
Through a combination of literary and epigraphic evidence from various Mediterranean locales – Crete, Delos, the Peloponnese – this paper seeks to investigate the extent and the nature of Spartan interactions during the reign of Nabis, along with his role on the international stage. The evidence reinforces his strong engagement with the wider world and his leadership ability in military and foreign issues of the utmost importance; a reassessment shows that the king followed a previous strategic foreign policy which aimed to maintain and consolidate Spartan presence in locales situated inside and outside the Peloponnese.
References:
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Couvenhes J.C. (2016), The Polybian portrait of Nabis and his mercenaries, in Histories 13.6.110 and 8.1-2: what bodyguards for what political legitimacy?, Revue Internationale d'Histoire Militaire Ancienne 4, pp. 33-56
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
Texier J.G. (1975), Nabis, Annales Littéraires de l'Université de Besançon 169, Centre de Recherches d'Histoire ancienne, vol. 14, Paris
This paper seeks to address these issues and to explore further the relationship between kings and ephors; whether Agis was a passive or active agent of the polis represents the primary topic of this paper.
A combination in a complimentary fashion of the literary and epigraphic evidence from locales situated inside and outside the Peloponnese points to a nuanced relationship between Agis and the ephors, and to Agis’ diverse identities. The narratives reveal a different identity of the king inside and outside of Sparta and his proactive role in military and political matters of the utmost importance.
Selected Bibliography
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
This simplistic vision of interstate relations seems to overlook other significant aspects of foreign policy. As it will be argued, in interstate interactions, single individuals and not only large groups of people played an important role. A particular personality was deployed by the Spartan governing bodies in order to undertake foreign political duties of the utmost importance, King Areus I. A renewed examination of the evidence from different Mediterranean locales - Phocis, Crete, South Italy, and Egypt – will point towards the authority of King Areus I in the international stage, the preference of the Spartan governing bodies towards him, and the continuity of the way in which Sparta was undertaking its foreign political plans.
Selected Bibliography
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Christien J. (2002), Iron money in Sparta: myth and history, in Hodkinson S. (ed.), Sparta: Beyond the Mirage, Swansea, pp. 171-190
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
Realism has been employed to investigate the interactions among Hellenistic powers. This has produced a pessimistic and simplistic view of the Hellenistic world: a world characterized by a multitude of states persistently engaged in warfare and pursuit of power where “international law” was minimal and largely unenforceable. Hellenistic states had no choice than to coexist in a hostile environment where self-help and self-interest were keys that led to survival. Hellenistic societies were essentially military and diplomatically aggressive and the ultimate aim of states was to be the hegemon – the only significant power in the system. Was the Hellenistic world really this grim? Were the states trapped in a cruel logic of self-help and self-interest? Was “international law” rudimentary?
In contrast with the latest studies, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of Realism theory for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander. This new world can be seen to have featured a much more complex reality characterized not only by consistent warfare and struggle for power, but also by a sensible increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. As we shall see, Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
Through a renewed analysis of the literary and epigraphic record, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of Realism for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander: this world can be seen to have featured a much more complex reality, characterized not only by consistent warfare, but also by a significant increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. Spartan foreign policy in the early third century B.C. represents an important caveat to assess the mechanisms of interaction among Hellenistic powers. The resort by Sparta to kinship bonds (syngheneia) with Taras in order to contain the expansionism of Romans and Lucanians, its intervention in the interstate arbitration involving two Cretan poleis constitute the tip of the iceberg of the interstate interactions. The cruel logic proposed by Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
Through a combination of literary and epigraphic evidence, this paper will highlight the consistent presence of Cleonymus on the international stage of the early third century BC and, above all, the esteem in which he was regarded by the Spartan government and some states situated outside the Peloponnese. Evidence from significant expeditions from across the Mediterranean will be used – such as Italy, Corcyra, Crete and the Peloponnese – to argue for a more nuanced reading of the history of Spartan royalty. As we shall see, the holistic assessment of the evidence will show the image of a powerful personality with significant prerogatives operating on the new international stage.
In contrast with the latest studies, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of realism for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander. This world can be seen to have featured a more complex reality characterized not only by consistent warfare, but also by a significant increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. Foreign policy performed by Sparta in the third century constitutes an important caveat to assess the interaction among Hellenistic states. The resort by Sparta to kinship bonds (syngheneia) with Taras in order to contain the expansionism of Romans and Lucanians, its intervention in the interstate arbitration involving two Cretan poleis and its leadership of a vast coalition animated by the same feelings constitute the tip of the iceberg of the interstate interactions. The cruel logic postulated by Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
One may consider deformities as a literary device that announces the significance and peculiarity of the character’s role in the narration or, simply, as mirrors of their positive or negative values. Lameness is a prelude to the tenacity of Agesilaos that enables him to overcome the adversities, while short stature is a mirror of Demetrios cunning and creativity in designing innovative and formidable engines of war that allow him to succeed in his undertakings. Indeed these rather superficial assumptions need an accurate analysis in order to be fostered and validated. Furthermore, the investigation of such deformities in the “pictures” portrayed by Plutarch may offer further insights about the perception of deformities in the past.
This paper aims to assess the topos of deformity in some works of Plutarch, to evaluate the virtues and values that lie behind deformities and, above all, to investigate to what extent deformities can be considered as such in Plutarch’s world.
This paper aims to re-evaluate the dynamics of the Chremonidean War, to re-assess the number of protagonists involved (including the Cretan cities – often overlooked by scholars), to investigate the role of Cretan poleis during the war, and to determine the evolving ideological changes in Spartan royal identity.
Seminar Presentations by Andrea Scarpato
However, the relations among powers in the third century are indeed characterized by warfare but also by the consistent use of juridical and diplomatic procedures such as third party interventions, alliance decrees and embassies. This significant set of tools will distinguish the new “dialogue” among states and the new political strategies adopted by Hellenistic monarchs. The recurrent presence of Sparta in these interactions and the motivation(s) that lie behind the participation of this smaller power, obliged to face important internal problems such as the lack of full right citizens and economic resources, are issues that will be addressed throughout this study.
Furthermore, the resort to Spartan intervention by Hellenistic powers generates a peculiar interaction where the participants are often prominent Spartan individuals. Individual Spartans, portrayed by the ancient sources as anomalous characters, exert a peculiar influence on the events of this period. Through this paper we shall examine one of the Spartan personalities involved in the foreign policy of the early third century, known as Cleonymus, and discuss the extent of his influence on the decision-making of the Spartan government.
Books by Andrea Scarpato
Talks by Andrea Scarpato
Posters by Andrea Scarpato
Teaching Documents by Andrea Scarpato
The comparison of Spartan decision making with the activation in 2009 of the EU’s Solidarity Clause, included in Article 222 of The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), indicates that the activation of this clause too required the consensus of several European governing bodies. By bringing to light the critical role played by smaller networks of power in foreign policy decision making in the ancient and the current-day EU alliances, this article exposes both the merits and the limits of the Realist international relations theory.
Each chapter promotes interdisciplinary approaches to a wide range of ancient evidence and material culture, and offers a renewed understanding of how socio-political transformations unfolded within the region. Together they shed new light on key agents of the period and their interactions, material evidence and political history both in and beyond the Peloponnese – from the enduring Macedonian influence in the 3rd century BCE and the violence and terror tactics deployed within the Achaian Koinon, to strategies of identity construction and memory politics wielded by local elites – and will be crucial points of reference for graduate students and scholars with an interest in the region.
Through a combination of literary and epigraphic evidence from various Mediterranean locales – Crete, Delos, the Peloponnese – this paper seeks to investigate the extent and the nature of Spartan interactions during the reign of Nabis, along with his role on the international stage. The evidence reinforces his strong engagement with the wider world and his leadership ability in military and foreign issues of the utmost importance; a reassessment shows that the king followed a previous strategic foreign policy which aimed to maintain and consolidate Spartan presence in locales situated inside and outside the Peloponnese.
References:
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Couvenhes J.C. (2016), The Polybian portrait of Nabis and his mercenaries, in Histories 13.6.110 and 8.1-2: what bodyguards for what political legitimacy?, Revue Internationale d'Histoire Militaire Ancienne 4, pp. 33-56
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
Texier J.G. (1975), Nabis, Annales Littéraires de l'Université de Besançon 169, Centre de Recherches d'Histoire ancienne, vol. 14, Paris
This paper seeks to address these issues and to explore further the relationship between kings and ephors; whether Agis was a passive or active agent of the polis represents the primary topic of this paper.
A combination in a complimentary fashion of the literary and epigraphic evidence from locales situated inside and outside the Peloponnese points to a nuanced relationship between Agis and the ephors, and to Agis’ diverse identities. The narratives reveal a different identity of the king inside and outside of Sparta and his proactive role in military and political matters of the utmost importance.
Selected Bibliography
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
This simplistic vision of interstate relations seems to overlook other significant aspects of foreign policy. As it will be argued, in interstate interactions, single individuals and not only large groups of people played an important role. A particular personality was deployed by the Spartan governing bodies in order to undertake foreign political duties of the utmost importance, King Areus I. A renewed examination of the evidence from different Mediterranean locales - Phocis, Crete, South Italy, and Egypt – will point towards the authority of King Areus I in the international stage, the preference of the Spartan governing bodies towards him, and the continuity of the way in which Sparta was undertaking its foreign political plans.
Selected Bibliography
Cartledge P. and Spawforth A. (2002), Hellenistic and Roman Sparta: A Tale of Two Cities, London/New York
Christien J. (2002), Iron money in Sparta: myth and history, in Hodkinson S. (ed.), Sparta: Beyond the Mirage, Swansea, pp. 171-190
Oliva P. (1971), Sparta and her Social Problems, Amsterdam
Shimron B. (1972), Late Sparta: The Spartan Revolution 243-146 BC, Buffalo
Realism has been employed to investigate the interactions among Hellenistic powers. This has produced a pessimistic and simplistic view of the Hellenistic world: a world characterized by a multitude of states persistently engaged in warfare and pursuit of power where “international law” was minimal and largely unenforceable. Hellenistic states had no choice than to coexist in a hostile environment where self-help and self-interest were keys that led to survival. Hellenistic societies were essentially military and diplomatically aggressive and the ultimate aim of states was to be the hegemon – the only significant power in the system. Was the Hellenistic world really this grim? Were the states trapped in a cruel logic of self-help and self-interest? Was “international law” rudimentary?
In contrast with the latest studies, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of Realism theory for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander. This new world can be seen to have featured a much more complex reality characterized not only by consistent warfare and struggle for power, but also by a sensible increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. As we shall see, Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
Through a renewed analysis of the literary and epigraphic record, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of Realism for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander: this world can be seen to have featured a much more complex reality, characterized not only by consistent warfare, but also by a significant increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. Spartan foreign policy in the early third century B.C. represents an important caveat to assess the mechanisms of interaction among Hellenistic powers. The resort by Sparta to kinship bonds (syngheneia) with Taras in order to contain the expansionism of Romans and Lucanians, its intervention in the interstate arbitration involving two Cretan poleis constitute the tip of the iceberg of the interstate interactions. The cruel logic proposed by Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
Through a combination of literary and epigraphic evidence, this paper will highlight the consistent presence of Cleonymus on the international stage of the early third century BC and, above all, the esteem in which he was regarded by the Spartan government and some states situated outside the Peloponnese. Evidence from significant expeditions from across the Mediterranean will be used – such as Italy, Corcyra, Crete and the Peloponnese – to argue for a more nuanced reading of the history of Spartan royalty. As we shall see, the holistic assessment of the evidence will show the image of a powerful personality with significant prerogatives operating on the new international stage.
In contrast with the latest studies, this paper aims to suggest the limitations of realism for the assessment of Hellenistic history and the multifaceted nature of the new world arisen after the death of Alexander. This world can be seen to have featured a more complex reality characterized not only by consistent warfare, but also by a significant increase in interstate co-operation and efforts to circumvent conflicts without recourse to violence. Foreign policy performed by Sparta in the third century constitutes an important caveat to assess the interaction among Hellenistic states. The resort by Sparta to kinship bonds (syngheneia) with Taras in order to contain the expansionism of Romans and Lucanians, its intervention in the interstate arbitration involving two Cretan poleis and its leadership of a vast coalition animated by the same feelings constitute the tip of the iceberg of the interstate interactions. The cruel logic postulated by Realism per se will not be sufficient to describe such a complex world.
One may consider deformities as a literary device that announces the significance and peculiarity of the character’s role in the narration or, simply, as mirrors of their positive or negative values. Lameness is a prelude to the tenacity of Agesilaos that enables him to overcome the adversities, while short stature is a mirror of Demetrios cunning and creativity in designing innovative and formidable engines of war that allow him to succeed in his undertakings. Indeed these rather superficial assumptions need an accurate analysis in order to be fostered and validated. Furthermore, the investigation of such deformities in the “pictures” portrayed by Plutarch may offer further insights about the perception of deformities in the past.
This paper aims to assess the topos of deformity in some works of Plutarch, to evaluate the virtues and values that lie behind deformities and, above all, to investigate to what extent deformities can be considered as such in Plutarch’s world.
This paper aims to re-evaluate the dynamics of the Chremonidean War, to re-assess the number of protagonists involved (including the Cretan cities – often overlooked by scholars), to investigate the role of Cretan poleis during the war, and to determine the evolving ideological changes in Spartan royal identity.
However, the relations among powers in the third century are indeed characterized by warfare but also by the consistent use of juridical and diplomatic procedures such as third party interventions, alliance decrees and embassies. This significant set of tools will distinguish the new “dialogue” among states and the new political strategies adopted by Hellenistic monarchs. The recurrent presence of Sparta in these interactions and the motivation(s) that lie behind the participation of this smaller power, obliged to face important internal problems such as the lack of full right citizens and economic resources, are issues that will be addressed throughout this study.
Furthermore, the resort to Spartan intervention by Hellenistic powers generates a peculiar interaction where the participants are often prominent Spartan individuals. Individual Spartans, portrayed by the ancient sources as anomalous characters, exert a peculiar influence on the events of this period. Through this paper we shall examine one of the Spartan personalities involved in the foreign policy of the early third century, known as Cleonymus, and discuss the extent of his influence on the decision-making of the Spartan government.
Conference to be held at the University of Leicester on May 6, 2016.