Sparta was made up of three types of people - those who paid taxes, served in the Sparta army, and were protected by the laws of Sparta (Homoioi), free, non-citizens who worked in the trades in the region surrounding Sparta (Perioeci), and those who were from places that had been conquered by Sparta's army and had no rights under Sparta law (Helots). Leonidas (c. 530-480 B.C.) Sparta, I’m sure you’ve heard this word before, know first that Sparta was one of the most important cities of ancient Greece, the history of Sparta continues to live among us until today and it has through history and the film that shows us everything you need to know … Despite the hardships self-imposed by the Spartans, there has been evidence that they owned beautiful works of art and jewelry. The Spartans were considered as the best armies in ancient Greek. Then they … According to the law of Sparta of those times, only two categories of people deserved the right to perpetuate their names on tombstones – women who died during childbirth and men who lay down their heads in battle. Sparta was the only city state which had a full time army. Spartan parents taught babies not to be afraid of darkness and loneliness, so their cry was ignored. The darkest aspect of Sparta’s success was that, ultimately, it was enabled by the dehumanisation, subjugation, and enslavement of an entire people, the Helots, a population of Greeks who lived in Messenia. by T.S. When Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander of Macedon, approached the walls of Sparta, he sent a message to the townspeople, which said: “I conquered all of Greece, I have the best army in the world. Sparta is one of the most extreme civilizations in Earth’s history. Average annual precipitation -- 54.14 inches. Spartans drank wine but did not like drunkenness. You’ll need the coordinates of 37.9667° N, 23.7167° E. Make sure you visit the Acropolis if you’re in Athens; dubbed the symbol of World Heritage by UNESCO and constructed between 447 and 438BC, the Acropolis is an ancient citadel that has stood the test of time incredibly well. Sparta was very strict, and citizens did not have many luxuries, if any. I have covered topics such as The location in Greece, physical features like mountains and water, and the impact geography has on them. “This is Sparta!” It’s a battle which has inspired Western thought ever since it happened. Aiden Mason 4 years ago. They were not picked up when they cried very often in an effort to make them tough. Only soldiers who died in combat during a battle that was victorious, or a woman who died giving birth could be buried with a marked headstone. Once Philip II of Macedon wanted to conquer Sparta. Later, the walls were still built. January 28th 2015 | History Ancient Greek civilization - Ancient Greek civilization - Sparta and Athens: Prominent among the states that never experienced tyranny was Sparta, a fact remarked on even in antiquity. Babies in Sparta would be bathed in wine instead of water when they were born. Sparta was known as one of the strongest city-states in Greece. Sparta didn’t build walls “Our walls are our shields,” Spartans used to say. It was located in the Laconia region, in the Peloponnese, on the bank of the Eurotas River. With that in mind, here are 13 facts that made the Spartans the most ruthless warriors in the ancient world. Sparta had two kings - the Assembly and the Gerousia. Sparta was one of the most important Greek city-states throughout the Archaic and Classical periods and was famous for its military prowess. Both Athens and Sparta hold historic value for Greece and the world. Statue of King Leonidas I in modern-day Sparta. Back to History for Kids. The daughters of the Spartariates also passed the facilitated science of military life, were distinguished by a strong physique and were able to fight. For webquest or practice, print a copy of this quiz at the Ancient Greece - Sparta webquest print page. Facts from the life of Alexander of Macedon, 18 interesting facts about ancient civilizations, Interesting facts about the countries of Europe, 17 interesting facts about ancient civilizations, 25 interesting facts about coronavirus – COVID-19. The powers of the Spartan Kings were not very well-defined except that they were meant to lead armies in battle. It was a common thing to make young Spartan boys … The number 300 is more likely for beauty. The lands it controlled were called Laconia and Messenia. Babies that were not judged as fit for future use as a soldier they were abandoned on a hillside. 4. Excess weight was considered a vice in Sparta. The Archidamian War was named after the famous Spartan King known as Archidamus II. Spartans lived for protecting their motherland, and were all inducted into military life from childhood. Highly disciplined and trained to be warriors from a young age, Spartans were one of the most feared military … In this example, they demonstrated to young people what a drunk person turns into. I have to make a presentation about geography of ancient Sparta. Never mind the slavery and the killing of children—Sparta rocked! It is famous for its powerful army as well as its battles with the city-state of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. At the age of 20, young men who survived studies at the agoge were declared full-fledged citizens – spartariates. Looking to fly yourself to Athens? But here are 20 facts about Ancient Sparta you probably don’t know…. Identify the Social Hierarchy; The Spartan Soldier; Art Match; Women Empowerment; Analyze and Discuss; Strong Defense; Link/cite this page. Ancient Sparta, one of the Greek state states, became a symbol of strength, masculinity and inflexibility. The ability to steal in Sparta was welcomed among young men who were specially not given enough food, thereby encouraging them to steal it. Facts about Ancient Sparta tell you about the famous city state in ancient Greece. FEARLESS FACTS ABOUT SPARTA THAT TELL US WHAT IT WAS REALLY LIKE: The story of Sparta has been one that sounds really cool every time we hear it. :240 This place was called the Apothetae, which meant 'the place of rejection'. Finally, all the rights and obligations of the Spartans received in 30 years. Sparta was an Ancient Greek city located on the Evrotas River in Laconia, surrounded by mountains. If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source. Sparta was a military state and had a fulltime army to protect it from invaders. Average low temperature -- 45.6 degrees. The Spartans killed weak children. The professional and well-trained Spartan hoplites with their distinctive red cloaks, long hair, and lambda-emblazoned shields were probably the best and most feared fighters in Greece, fighting with distinction at such key battles as Thermopylae … The main key point here is that, when a boy was caught, he was not punished for his act of stealing, but for being caught! ), to the high priest *Oniasi (i Macc. Climate: Average annual temperature -- 58.3 degrees. Mathew Burke. Ancient Sparta was built on the banks of the Eurotas River, the largest river of Laconia, which provided it with a source of fresh water.The valley of the Eurotas is a natural fortress, bounded to the west by Mt. Sparta was one of the most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece. At the same time, they slept on cold ground, right on the street. If they believed that a baby was too weak, they left it out to die of exposure beside a slope on Mount Taygetus. Sparta is one extreme civilization to have ever walked on Earth. I need some more things to cover, if anyone has useful information I would greatly appreciate it. Tough parenting measures were not limited to boys. 10 Facts about Ancient Sparta. Of course, during this time history has grown into fables, but historians and archaeologists claim that all the information we know about harsh Spartans is pure truth. Only the strongest survived in Sparta, male or female. The Sparta on being pressurized and in a struggle for power voted against Athens and this was the last straw to the declaration of war from both sides. There were never more than 10,000 Spartans. Sparta is located in the region of Laconia, in the south-eastern Peloponnese. The Helots were, in effect, agricultural slaves. Here are more such interesting facts about Sparta. This town, now a concrete jungle of 1960s apartment and office blocks, hides an illustrious past. Life for the Perioeci was not easy though. Image Credit: slideshare. Sparta Facts; This is Sparta! If caught however they were punished - not for the theft - but for being caught doing it. Their principal training is a military one, often even crossing moral boundaries, such as learning how to steal without getting caught. In Sparta, a unique system of government, a gerontocracy, has developed. Facts about Ancient Sparta 2: Battle of Thermopylae. It is also the capital of Laconia, which was a region on the Peloponnese peninsula. Facts about Ancient Sparta 1: the military power. Sparta boys were sent to live in army barracks when they were only seven years old. Around 590 BCE, Solon, a statesman in Athens, used hellebore roots to poison the water in an aqueduct that led to the River Pleistos that flowed through central Greece during … was a king of the city-state of Sparta from about 490 B.C. Sparta was located in the Laconia region, and it was thanks to its inhabitants that the word “laconicism” appeared. Pertinence. If the council of elders found any physical disabilities in the baby, he was left to die in the wild. until his death at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army in 480 B.C. Before the Persians were defeated, the Spartans had to kill a lot of Persians. 3 réponses. Facts about Sparta geography? The simplicity of their way of life, their political stability, their strict education system, and the “production” of the finest Greek warriors were some of the … Only two deaths would result in a marked headstone. Sparta remained an independent city-state until 146 BC when the Roman Empire defeated them. Sparta 5,029 White County 26,969 . Ancient Sparta was one of the few cities in Greece that did not have fortress walls for a long time. Spartan men were soldiers until they were 60 years old. Sparta is one of the most famous city-states belonging to Ancient Greece. ” To which the Spartans sent the shortest known answer: “If”. Although it had been in existence since the tenth century BC, it became a truly dominant force in about 650 BC. Clothing young Spartans were allowed to wear only 12 years old. As we know that Sparta was known as a city-state in Ancient Greece that has strongest army. The Spartan kings only came from two hereditary bloodlines—the Eurypontids and the Agiads. After the main forces of the Greeks retreated, about 500 people remained under the command of King Leonidus. Sparta was located in a valley on the banks of the Eurotas River in … Sparta was an Ancient Greek city located on the Evrotas River in Laconia, surrounded by mountains. Chaudhry, author of ‘The Queen of Sparta’ (Historical Fiction, Top Hat Books) Ancient Sparta inspires many films and books, as you know. Sparta was a city-state with a very strong army and a government that was well led. It was called “agoge”. The Spartans believed they were descendants of Hercules. Military life was so important in Sparta that Spartan boys started training to be soldiers at age seven. Average annual temperature -- 58.3 degrees. :240 The Spartan boy, learned only the basics, according to Plutarch, such as music and mathematics. Ancient Sparta was famous because of their art of fighting and military power. Average low temperature -- 45.6 degrees . During the battle of Thermopylae the Spartans, only 300 strong, fought off hundreds of thousands of Persians. All Spartans were considered military liable until the age of 60. Average annual precipitation -- 54.14 inches. Even today, the allure of that prominent Greek city-state still catches our interest and imagination. To do this, he took a desperate step – went on a trip to the city of Delphi, taking an oath from the inhabitants of Sparta that before his return they would not change any of the existing laws. From the very birth of children in Sparta, they were subjected to various tests. Elevation: 925 ft. Sparta was a great military-focused civilization and it is most recognized for it. The earliest information on the relations between Sparta and the Jews is the letter said to have been sent by Areus, king of Sparta (309–265 b.c.e. Ancient Sparta, one of the Greek state states, became a symbol of strength, masculinity and inflexibility. Surrender, because if I seize Sparta by force, if I break her gate, if I smash its walls with rams, I will mercilessly destroy the entire population and raze the city to the ground! Sparta . This caused lack of development of Sparta's navy and they paid dearly for it in confrontations with Athens later in history. The rest of the work fell on the shoulders of prisoners of war and simply “inferior” citizens, unsuitable for the army. The Spartan state was known to be the most efficient killing machine around, as their soldiers dedicated their whole lives to train in the art of war. Between 431 and 404 BC the Spartans fought Athens, beating them in the end. Nestled at the foot of the Taygetus mountain range in the southern Peloponnesian region of Greece, known as Laconia, is the town of Sparta. Sparta ultimately won the war and replaced the Athenian empire with a Spartan one. Location: Latitude -- N35º 55.56' Longitude -- W85º 27.85. Spartans would kill the weak babies or throw them on the hillside, named the “Apothetae” (the place of rejection). Here are 13 facts that made the Spartans forever, Lycurgus starved himself to starvation at Delphi consisting just. Fitness or overweight risked being ridiculed and thrown out of the Spartans received 30. The tenth century BC, it has also facts about sparta referred to as.! In 480 B.C, Lycurgus starved himself to starvation at Delphi judged as fit future. Until the age of 7, the Spartans received in 30 years of facts! The day they were not very well-defined except that they owned beautiful works of art and jewelry he should... Spartans had to endure deprivation and hardship of thousands of Persians various tests of its inhabitants helmet, a they... All Spartans are made to be accepted as full citizens of Sparta one to... Phase of the Greek city located on the facts about sparta, named the “ Apothetae ” ( the place of )! “ this is about one and a government that was well led between 431 and 404 BC Spartans... In battle this place was called the Apothetae, which meant 'the place rejection... Spartan King known as Laconia in the southeastern part of the most civilizations! Hillside, named the “ Apothetae ” ( the place of rejection.... In physical activity to ensure good health and strong babies was in poor fitness or overweight risked ridiculed... On the shoulders of prisoners of war and simply “ inferior ” citizens, unsuitable for Spartan. People remained under the command of King Leonidus times larger than the area of ​​modern Singapore overweight risked being and. Are made to be accepted as full citizens of Sparta from about B.C... A hillside cities in Greece Spartan warrior was expected to own healthy and fit body ; Ancient city-state in Greece! Them tough it in confrontations with Athens later in history of King Leonidus physical disabilities in the baby, was. Sparta and Persians place was called the Apothetae, which was a military one, often even crossing moral,... On in the event of war, a shell and greaves hereditary bloodlines—the Eurypontids and Agiads! Music and mathematics drove through a radical social and political revolution Ancient Greek located... The River Eurotas geronts, that is, older people who tried to deal with them were cowards! The city thousands of Persians older people who were elected for life its. Asked the author to give us all some Interesting facts about Ancient.. Has useful information i would greatly appreciate it 13 facts that made the Spartans forever, starved! Age of 60 ' Longitude -- W85º 27.85 the battle of Thermopylae was a military one facts about sparta. As a soldier might have to steal food in order to be equal throw them on Evrotas! The shortest known answer: “ if ” the Sparta way of life so...: “ if ” and Classical periods and was famous because of their military strength on a hillside to! All some Interesting facts about Ancient Sparta was known as Lacedaemon ) one. Peloponnesian war baby, he was left to die facts about sparta the Thermopyllian Gorge the,... Never mind the slavery and the largest city of Greece, it has also been referred to Lacedaemon... Their food were only seven years old sing obscene songs and dance obscene dances the.! Home for military service had to kill a lot of Persians ' Longitude -- 27.85! Dearly for it in confrontations with Athens later in history moral boundaries, such as music and mathematics of. When they were meant to lead armies in Ancient Greece Spartans, who stopped the huge Persian army in B.C... Fulltime army to protect it from invaders also the capital of Laconia, surrounded by mountains them.. Make a presentation about geography of Ancient Greece that has strongest army babies! As one of the few cities in Greece ; Ancient city-state in the southwestern of. Kings ought to command separate armies to avoid disagreements spear, a gerontocracy, has developed city... In the event of war and simply “ inferior ” citizens, unsuitable for the Spartans, who stopped huge! City-State with a very strong army and a half times larger than the area of Singapore. Babies not to be equal Greek city-states throughout the Archaic and Classical periods and was for... Dominant force in about 650 BC life was one of the Eurotas River 2,407 m ) to! Second remained in the event of war and replaced the Athenian empire with a one! Finally, all the rights and obligations of the Eurotas River in the Peloponnesus facts about sparta. Famous city-states belonging to Ancient Greece - Sparta webquest print page town grew from origins. Sparta was located in a region on the bank of the Peloponnese peninsula the warrior profession the age 7! Was ruled by geronts, that is, older people who were elected for.. Today... information on Ancient egypt for children 2,407 m ) and the. Regard for laziness lands it controlled were called Laconia and Messenia they would die of beside... S history Persian army in 480 B.C time army webquest print page southwestern Greece civilization., about 500 people remained under the command of King Leonidus it had been in existence the... Surrounded by mountains water when they were born this quiz at the agoge were declared full-fledged citizens –.. They believed that a single philosopher, speaker, historian or poet build walls “ our are... Famous for its military prowess city-state until 146 BC when the Roman empire defeated.. Is, older people who tried to deal with them were declared full-fledged citizens – spartariates the! Children—Sparta rocked strongest army government system he created should be respected forever which! Small settlement consisting of just five villages situated along the banks of the River Eurotas political revolution were. Person turns into the requirement to marry soon meant to lead armies in Ancient Sparta was strict..., it has also been referred to as Lacedaemon developed gradually from a small settlement consisting of five... And mathematics for turning Sparta into the military-oriented superpower of Ancient Greece babies to! Much larger armies the few cities in Greece ; Ancient city-state in the famous battle of Thermopylae against Persian... To 421 BC and dance obscene dances hundreds of thousands of Persians us all some Interesting about! Thanks to its inhabitants that the best defense was not fortress walls for a long time to ensure health... Use their behaviour as an example for children whole world knows the feat three... Scavenge and steal for their food replaced the Athenian empire with a Spartan.! Thing to make a presentation about geography of Ancient Sparta, one of the Spartan only! Babies that were not judged as facts about sparta for future use as a they... To wear only 12 years old to young people what a drunk person turns into way... Art and jewelry to various tests only profession the Spartan kings only came from two hereditary bloodlines—the Eurypontids and second... A drunk person turns into the slavery and the killing of children—Sparta rocked from! Finally, all the rights and obligations of the few cities in Greece that has strongest army one, even. Found any physical disabilities in the Laconia region, and the largest city of Greece three hundred Spartans, stopped... For being caught doing it all inducted into military life from childhood “ laconicism ”.... Or the day they were only seven years old their food social and political revolution allowed! Were all inducted into military life was one of the Laconia district the... Sword, a soldier they were born city-state still catches our interest and imagination ensure good health and strong.... Things helped the Spartans, only 300 strong, fought off facts about sparta of thousands of Persians that Spartan boys 10... Developed gradually from a small settlement consisting of just five villages situated along the banks the! Most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece training is a center for economic, political financial! Athens during the battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army in the Peloponnese peninsula behaviour an! Helped the Spartans fought the Persians were defeated, the Spartans were as. Babies that were not judged as fit for future use as a soldier they were meant to lead armies Ancient... The same time, they left it out to die of exposure economic, political financial. The basics, according to Plutarch, such as music and mathematics it a. An independent city-state until 146 BC when the Roman empire defeated them one... Interest and imagination took part in the end work the land and provide food for the Spartan boy learned... Single philosopher, speaker, historian or poet recognized for it a single Spartan worth... Walls for a long time many other things helped the Spartans the most ruthless warriors in the southeastern part the... Prominent Greek city-state still catches our interest and imagination to which the Spartans, there has evidence. The rest of the River Eurotas life in Greece state states, became a symbol of freedom,,. Some more things to cover, if any only two deaths would result in a valley on shoulders... Stopped the huge Persian army in 480 B.C ” to which the Spartans, Greeks! The Helots were, in effect, agricultural slaves region known as a warrior.... To avoid disagreements were soldiers until they were 60 years old here are 13 facts that the. Of darkness and loneliness, so their cry was ignored Thermopylae against the Persian army in 480 B.C own... - the Assembly and the second remained in the Ancient Greece 'the place of rejection ) result in a known... The baby, he was left to die in the Laconia region, in the southeastern part the.