Sparta history

Legends and Actual History of Foundation

The origins of Sparta are shrouded in myths closely intertwined with real historical events. According to ancient Greek mythology, the city was named after Sparta, the wife of King Lacedaemon. However, historians attribute the actual appearance of the city to the so-called "Dark Ages" of Greece.

Sparta emerged in approximately the 10th century BC following the invasion of the Peloponnese by Dorian tribes. The city formed not as a single urban centre, but through synoecism — the unification of four (later five) settlements located on the banks of the Eurotas River. This union allowed the Dorians to establish themselves in the conquered territories and create a powerful base for further expansion.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Sparta into one of the most powerful city-states (poleis) of Ancient Greece was driven by a unique combination of geographical and political conditions:

• Geographical location: The city was situated in the fertile valley of Laconia, protected by the Parnon and Taygetos mountain ranges. This provided natural defence against enemies and allowed for the development of agriculture, making the city-state self-sufficient.
• Political system: The establishment of statehood is linked to the name of the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus. He is credited with creating the "Great Rhetra" — a set of laws that turned Sparta into a militarised state with strict discipline and a unique system of dual kingship.
• Territorial expansion: The conquest of neighbouring Messenia and the enslavement of its population (Helots) resolved the land issue and provided the Spartans with a workforce, allowing citizens to dedicate themselves entirely to military affairs.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its existence, Sparta was known not only for warriors but also for crafts, music, and poetry. However, with the strengthening of Lycurgus' laws, the city's culture underwent radical changes. The priority became the upbringing of an ideal warrior and a devoted citizen.

The economy of early Sparta was deliberately isolated from the outside world. To avoid wealth stratification and corruption, the authorities restricted trade with other city-states and, according to legend, introduced cumbersome iron money into circulation, which had no value outside the state. This formed a unique society where asceticism and the equality of the "community of equals" were placed above personal enrichment.

Major Milestones in Spartan History

• 10th century BC — Dorian tribes found a settlement on the banks of the Eurotas River, which subsequently becomes the centre of Laconia.
• 9th century BC — The legendary lawgiver Lycurgus implements large-scale reforms, laying the foundations for the unique military and political structure of the city-state.
• 8th–7th centuries BC — During the Messenian Wars, Sparta conquers neighbouring territories and turns the local population into Helots.
• 480 BC — The famous Battle of Thermopylae takes place, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartans heroically hold back the Persian army.
• 431–404 BC — Victory in the protracted Peloponnesian War against Athens makes Sparta the dominant force in all of Greece.
• 371 BC — Defeat in the Battle of Leuctra by the Theban army puts an end to Spartan military hegemony.
• 146 BC — The city falls under the authority of Rome, while retaining formal autonomy and its ancient traditions as a kind of "museum".
• 396 AD — Ancient Sparta is captured, looted, and destroyed by the Visigoths led by King Alaric I.
• 1249 — The fortress of Mystras is built nearby, where the entire centre of political and cultural life of the region gradually shifts, and Sparta falls into desolation.
• 1460 — The territory of Laconia passes under the control of the Ottoman Empire for several centuries.
• 1834 — King Otto I of independent Greece signs a decree on the construction of the new city of Sparta directly on the site of the ancient ruins.
• 20th–21st centuries — Modern Sparta develops as the administrative centre of the Laconia prefecture and an important tourist site of the Peloponnese.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Sparta is not only about military campaigns but also about radical changes in lifestyle, economy, and architectural appearance. Below are the main milestones that formed the city as we know it today:

• Implementation of Lycurgus' laws (Archaic period).
  Transition to strict state regulation of life. Economically, this meant a deliberate rejection of gold and silver in favour of iron money (obols), which slowed the development of trade but preserved the unique socio-cultural structure of the "community of equals".
• Roman Urbanisation (2nd century BC — 2nd century AD).
  After losing political independence, Sparta turned into a prestigious cultural centre. The Romans invested funds in improvements: it was during this period that the monumental theatre, stone aqueducts, and baths were built, turning the austere military camp into a city with developed ancient infrastructure.
• Byzantine decline and the rise of Mystras (13th century).
  The construction of the fortified city of Mystras on the slopes of Mount Taygetos led to the demographic and urban collapse of Sparta itself. Residents left the valley for the safety of Mystras' walls, and for several centuries the ancient city turned into a group of scattered villages.
• Decree of King Otto I and the Stauffert Master Plan (1834).
  A crucial event in the history of modern Sparta. The city was "relaunched" by decree of the first King of Greece. Bavarian architects developed a neoclassical development plan with wide avenues, squares, and parks oriented towards the ancient acropolis. This made modern Sparta one of the most well-planned cities in the Peloponnese.
• Formation of an agro-industrial centre (20th century).
  Thanks to the fertile valley of the Eurotas River, Sparta transformed into the economic heart of the Laconia region. The development of olive and citrus processing became the basis of the local economy, replacing the ancient military specialisation with an agrarian one.
• Opening of the University of the Peloponnese (2000s).
  The appearance of faculties (including the Faculty of Sports Organisation) breathed new life into the cultural and youth environment of the city, returning Sparta to the status of an educational centre, but in a modern context.

Urban Evolution: Two Faces of One City

The architectural history of Sparta is unique in that it is divided by a centuries-long hiatus. The ancient city-state differed fundamentally from other Greek cities: it had no fortress walls ("Sparta's walls are its youths") and was a union of several settlements without dense urban development. The Greek historian Thucydides even predicted that if the city were to become deserted, descendants would not believe in its former power without seeing majestic temples.

Modern Sparta is a completely different project. It is a garden city, designed "from scratch" in 1834. Bavarian architects, invited by King Otto, created a master plan with wide avenues and squares oriented towards the view of the majestic Mount Taygetos. Thanks to this, today the city is distinguished by clear street geometry and an abundance of greenery, which is atypical for many old Greek cities with chaotic development.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of modern Sparta and its surroundings, traces of a great past and 19th-century European influence are intertwined. The main styles are distributed as follows:

• Antique Style (Ruins): Preserved fragments of the ancient city belong mainly to the Roman period, although foundations date back to the Archaic and Classical periods. This is strict, monumental architecture, devoid of excesses, which corresponded to the austere spirit of the Spartans.
• Byzantine Style: In Sparta itself, it is practically not represented, since in the Middle Ages life moved to the neighbouring fortified city of Mystras. However, the influence of the Byzantine tradition is felt in the church architecture of the region.
• Neoclassicism (19th century): The dominant style of the historical centre of modern Sparta. This is the legacy of the era of King Otto: elegant two-storey mansions with tiled roofs, symmetrical facades, balconies, and decorative elements imitating ancient Greek models.
• Modernism and modern development (20th–21st centuries): Residential quarters built in the second half of the 20th century represent typical Greek concrete apartment buildings ("polykatoikies") with spacious balconies and flat roofs.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The city's appearance is formed by several key objects connecting different historical layers:

• Ancient Theatre: One of the most impressive structures of antiquity, located on the slopes of the Acropolis. Built in the Hellenistic period and expanded by the Romans, it held up to 16,000 spectators and was one of the largest in Greece.
• Leonidaion: A small structure in the city centre, constructed from massive stone blocks. Tradition calls it the tomb of King Leonidas, although archaeologists lean towards the view that it was a temple of the Hellenistic era.
• Archaeological Museum: The museum building itself is an architectural monument. Built in 1874 by architect G. Katsaros, it became the first provincial museum in Greece. Its neoclassical facade with arches fits harmoniously into the park zone.
• City Hall Building (Dimarchio): A striking example of neoclassicism on the central square. A strict and solemn building with columns symbolizes the rebirth of the city in the 19th century and serves as the administrative centre.
• Statue of Leonidas: Installed at the end of the main Paleologou Avenue in 1968, this monumental bronze figure against the backdrop of the Taygetos mountains has become the main visual symbol of modern Sparta.

Legendary Rulers and Reformers

• Lycurgus (9th century BC) — Lawgiver and founder of the state system.
  A semi-mythical figure, the creator of the Spartan constitution ("Great Rhetra"). It was he who introduced the education system (agoge), established the council of elders (gerousia), and introduced severe laws that turned Sparta into a military state.
• Leonidas I (c. 540–480 BC) — King of the Agiad dynasty, military commander.
  The most famous Spartan in world history. He became famous for the heroic defence of the Thermopylae pass during the Greco-Persian Wars, becoming an eternal symbol of military valour and self-sacrifice for the homeland.
• Cleomenes III (260–219 BC) — Reformer King.
  The last great ruler of independent Sparta. He tried to revive the ancient laws of Lycurgus, cancelled debts, and redistributed land to restore the military power of the state in the Hellenistic era.

Commanders and Political Figures

• Chilon (6th century BC) — Ephor, philosopher, and politician.
  One of the "Seven Sages" of Ancient Greece. He contributed to strengthening the power of the ephors (overseers of the kings) and the formation of the Peloponnesian League. He is credited with the famous sayings "Know thyself" and "Nothing in excess".
• Lysander (died 395 BC) — Navarch (admiral) and diplomat.
  An outstanding strategist who played a key role in Sparta's victory over Athens in the Peloponnesian War. He created a powerful Spartan fleet and established the hegemony of Sparta throughout Greece.
• Agesilaus II (c. 444–360 BC) — King and commander.
  Ruled Sparta for over 40 years. He became famous for successful campaigns against the Persian Empire in Asia Minor. He was considered the ideal of a Spartan warrior, despite a congenital limp.

Outstanding Women of Sparta

• Gorgo (late 6th — early 5th century BC) — Queen, wife of Leonidas I.
  One of the few women of antiquity whose name and sayings history has preserved. She was famous for her sharp mind and political acumen. She is credited with the famous answer to the question of why only Spartan women have power over men: "Because only we give birth to men."
• Cynisca (born c. 440 BC) — Princess, athlete.
  Daughter of King Archidamus II. She went down in history as the first woman to win the Olympic Games (in chariot racing). Her success proved that women could compete on equal terms with men and inspired other Greek women to participate in the games.