Sparta - World History Encyclopedia
Sparta was one of the most important city-states in ancient Greece and was famous for its military prowess. The professional and well-trained Spartan hoplites with their distinctive red cloaks and long hair were probably the best and most feared fighters in Greece
Sparta was one of the most dominant of all the Greek city-states, and is most often remembered for their athletic and militaristic values.
Ancient Greek City-State of Sparta
Sparta was a powerful city-state in ancient Greece. The Spartans spoke Greek. They thought of themselves as Greeks. Like all Greeks, they would identify themselves as being from their city-state, in this case Sparta. But Sparta was very different from the other Greek city-states.
The regimented, fearless, obedient, upper-class Spartan warrior (Spartiate) that we hear so much about was actually in the minority in ancient Sparta. Not only were there more serf-like helots than Spartiates, but the ranks of the lower classes grew at the expense of the upper class, in this early communist society, whenever a Spartiate member failed to make his required contribution to the community.
Sparta, ancient capital of the Laconia district of the southeastern Peloponnese, southwestern Greece. Along with the surrounding area, it forms the perifereiakí enótita (regional unit) of Laconia (Modern Greek: Lakonía) within the Peloponnese (Pelopónnisos) periféreia (region).
* Spartans were notorious for living a simple, frugal, minimalist lifestyle. They only ate what they needed, kept their bodies fit, did not spend money wastefully.
* Men lived together together in military barracks until 30, even if married.
* Worship of Gods was important and could trump even their thirst for battle
* Obedience was a virtue and often they were not allowed to travel abroad
* Growth meant expansion into new lands in order to capture slaves (helos).
* Spartans focused on dominating the region around Sparta to protect their way of life
- Why trade with others when you can force them to give you what you want?
This promoted dominance and bigger, stronger military forces.
* Judged on physical toughness and physique. Trained like the boys at an early age.
* Competed in sports like the men
* A bigger, buffer mother created bigger, buffer sons
* Girls were raised to be mothers and wives of warriors
* Women had many responsibilities and freedoms compared to other Greek women as they had to defend and run the day-to-day activities of Sparta when the men were at war
* Spartans lived under an Oligarchy
* Some representation was elected by the citizens of Sparta
* Most of the power laid in the hands of two Kings, one controlled the military and one controlled the government. This power was passed down to the sons of each king
* Freedom of choice was very limited for Spartans
* A council of 28 aristocrats advised the kings but an assembly of all male citizens over 30 met outside the city walls to vote on proposals
* Spartan life revolved around war and the protection of Sparta
* Sparta didn't seek to conquer as they isolated themselves from the outside world
* Boys were taken from home at 7 years old for military training, which lasted until 60 years of age
* Most feared City-State despite only having 10 000 official citizens at any one time
* Spartan rulers limited trade in order to cut down on sharing ideas with other City-States
* Spartans did not used money as it distracted from military focus
* When Sparta wanted to receive goods they used force
* Helots were slaves captured in all invaded lands
* Spartans were able to focus on war rather than chores
