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By 505 BC, the Peloponnesian League was formed – an alliance of Greek city-states (including Corinth and Elis) headed by Sparta that allowed it to establish a political hegemony in the Peloponnesus peninsula. From thereon, the domain of Sparta stretched across Laconia and Messenia, and consequently, the Spartans became one of the militarily powerful polities of ancient Greece. The Spartans achieved what can be termed as political supremacy in lower Peloponnese by defeating and absorbing the state of Messenia during the Second Messenian War (685-668 BC). The Political Ascendancy – Source: Wikimedia Commons But, as with many episodes of war brewing their fair share of instability, Sparta was often embroiled in revolts and insurrections during this period (8th – 6th century BC) – mainly due to their rigid social order, discussed later in the article.
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In any case, the militaristic ways of the ancient (sometimes categorized as warlike Dorians by ancient authors) soon fetched them dominion over the populace of Messenia, and as such Sparta boasted some 8,500 sq km of territory (in lower Peloponnese) – which made their polis (city-state) the largest in the 8th century BC timeframe of Greece. But, interestingly enough, as opposed to the Neolithic legacy of Athens itself, the city of Sparta was probably a ‘new’ settlement that was founded by the Greeks in circa 10th century BC. However, beyond the mythical narratives, archaeologists have found pottery-based evidence in proximity to Sparta (city) that dates from the middle Neolithic period. He, in turn, marries Sparta, the daughter of Eurotas, and names the country after himself and the founded city after his wife. The word ‘Lacedaemon’ also comes from Greek mythology, wherein Lacedaemon was said to have been a son of Zeus and nymph Taygete. Society and Politics of the Spartans – The ‘Militaristic’ Origins of Sparta – Hence the population who resided within the larger domain (as opposed to the core region of Laconia) was also referred to as the Lacedaemonians. In the Roman era, the term Lacedaemon was often used as a generalized term to define the geographical or political domain of Sparta, while ‘Sparta’ was possibly used to specify the core region in and around the city of Sparta (comprising Laconia) by the Eurotas River. Such contrasting practices were believed to mold both his fortitude and physique as per the requirement of a Spartan warrior.Īnd finally, relating to etymology, the name ‘Lacedaemonian’ (often used as a synonym for Spartan) was first attested in the Linear B – syllabic script of the Mycenaeans. Reverting to history, while the child grew up into boyhood, he was given a diet of frugal food and sometimes bathed in wine thinned with water. Interestingly enough, archaeology has not brought forth clear cut evidence of such a practice, although researchers have discovered remains of adults (possibly criminals) on Spartan hillsides. In any case, we should start off with what might seem fantastical but was possibly true – and it pertains to how Spartan babies were actually inspected at their birth, with the perceived ‘unworthy’ ones (or at least a few of them) being left abandoned on nearby hillsides. And while some of them have a historical basis, a few other sides are just instruments of exaggeration. The subject of Spartans has been much discussed and showcased in the realm of popular culture.