Contro un sempre nuovo e pericoloso miraggio spartano

Browsing the net, we can see how current and widespread the references to Sparta are, although removed from the original context and interpreted according to contemporary politics, in particular of the far-right. Here I intend to focus on two examples in particular: the image of Sparta in the Greek party Golden Dawn and the spread of the phrase attributed to the Spartan king Leonidas by Plutarch (molon labe), above all among the supporters of the American Second Amendment and the arms industries. The purpose of this reflection is aimed at highlighting the danger of this always new Spartan mirage, to which Classicists must react, trying to re-establish a more correct and balanced picture of the polis, inserted in its historical context.