Sparta

Sparta was a city-state in ancient Greece. It was located in the region of Laconia in the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. A city-state is a city that ruled itself like a small country. Sparta became powerful between about 700 BCE and 300 BCE. Its society focused on military strength and control of its land.

Sparta had a unique system of government. It was ruled by two kings at the same time. These kings led the army and carried out religious duties. Sparta also had a council of elders called the Gerousia, which advised the kings. An assembly of male citizens voted on major decisions. This system limited the power of any single ruler.

Spartan society was divided into groups. The Spartiates were full citizens and trained as soldiers. The Helots were people forced to work the land. They were not citizens and had very few rights. Another group, called the Perioikoi, lived in nearby towns and worked as traders and craftsmen. These groups supported the Spartan state.

Military training was central to life in Sparta. Boys entered a training system called the agoge at about age seven. The agoge taught discipline, endurance, and combat skills. Adult male citizens served in the army for many years. Women in Sparta managed households and land while men trained and fought.

Sparta took part in major wars. During the Persian Wars, Sparta helped defend Greece against the Persian Empire. King Leonidas I led Spartan soldiers at the Battle of Thermopylae. Later, Sparta fought Athens in the Peloponnesian War. Sparta defeated Athens in 404 BCE and became the leading power in Greece for a time.

Over time, Sparta lost influence. Changes in warfare and population reduced its power. By the time Greece came under Roman control, Sparta was no longer a major military force. Today, the site of ancient Sparta is in modern Greece, with ruins that show parts of its past.