Sparta Sparta The most powerful state in Greece

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Sparta

Sparta

Sparta • The most powerful state in Greece in the Archaic period (much of

Sparta • The most powerful state in Greece in the Archaic period (much of the Classical period) • Panhellenism assures similarities: – Polytheism, patriarchy, slaves, agriculture, arete in battle, etc. • Unique differences: – Singular goals, state involved in private life, an enviable patriotism • But the uniqueness can be too quickly interpreted as utopian. Caveant discipuli!

Sparta

Sparta

Sparta • Sparta (also called Lacedaemon) is located inland in Laconia • 27 miles

Sparta • Sparta (also called Lacedaemon) is located inland in Laconia • 27 miles away from harbor (Gythium) to the south • Only one colony in southern Italy • Controls all of the Laconian plain by the end of the 8 th century

Sparta • Sparta reduces inhabitants of Laconia’s plain to helots, who remain subject to

Sparta • Sparta reduces inhabitants of Laconia’s plain to helots, who remain subject to the state of Sparta throughout generations. • Other peoples, in city-states around Sparta, become perioikoi, neighbors.

Sparta • Helots are slaves • Perioikoi are free, but have to serve in

Sparta • Helots are slaves • Perioikoi are free, but have to serve in the army

Sparta • Sparta invades Messenia in 740; by 720 Messenia is subject to Sparta

Sparta • Sparta invades Messenia in 740; by 720 Messenia is subject to Sparta also. • Some become helots, some perioikoi • Civil unrest in early 7 th c. ; shipped off many to Taros in Italy • 2 nd Messenian War: 669 bc (helot revolt)

Sparta • Messenians defeated again (although ratio was 7: 1) • Revolt provided the

Sparta • Messenians defeated again (although ratio was 7: 1) • Revolt provided the impetus for Spartan system • Reforms aimed at two goals: – Free male citizens from all obligations except fighting – Socialize them for soldier discipline

Sparta • The Spartan system – All practices were intended to produce the ideal

Sparta • The Spartan system – All practices were intended to produce the ideal Spartan hoplite – State regulates what we would consider private (hair, marriage, sex, child rearing) – Male military service till 60 years old

Sparta • The Spartan system – Boys: • Birth: a decision to make (dokimasia

Sparta • The Spartan system – Boys: • Birth: a decision to make (dokimasia = scrutiny) • Children and boys (7 -14), youths (ephebes) to adults (14 -20); 20 -30 is marriageable age • Principles of conformity, obedience, group solidarity, military skills • Curriculum is endurance and defense • Syssition (mess) develops loyalty and cooperation

Sparta • The Spartan system – Girls: Raised to bear warriors Education at state

Sparta • The Spartan system – Girls: Raised to bear warriors Education at state expense Public role: different than the rest of Greece Social role: childbearing (free from other domestic obligations) • Girls, maidens, and married women • •

Sparta • The Spartan system – Sex and marriage • Clandestine • Intended primarily

Sparta • The Spartan system – Sex and marriage • Clandestine • Intended primarily for procreation – Homosexuality and pederasty • Not a binary opposition between same-sex / different sex relationship • A part of paideia, education • Social utility • The usual end of such a relationship (age difference)

Sparta • The Spartan system – Gradual effects: shrinking population (male infanticide; military ethos;

Sparta • The Spartan system – Gradual effects: shrinking population (male infanticide; military ethos; xenophobia: Spartan male citizens constitute perhaps 5% of total population. ) – 9000 Male Spartans in the Archaic period – 8000 in 479 (5000 fought at battle of Plataea) – 1000 in 330 (Aristotle writes about them) – 700 in 240 – Dying out by Roman times

Sparta • The Spartan system – Equality sought among citizens: homoioi – Survival of

Sparta • The Spartan system – Equality sought among citizens: homoioi – Survival of Spartans dependent on helots: more than any other state, their economy depends on “geographical and social distance between landowners and workers on the land” (Pomeroy et al. , 2009)

Sparta • The Spartan system – A mixed constitution: • • Dual kingship (basileis)

Sparta • The Spartan system – A mixed constitution: • • Dual kingship (basileis) Gerousia (elders) = 28 other men over the age of 60 Ephors (oversee the kings) = 5 over the age of 30 Assembly of fighting men

Sparta • Peloponnesian League – Sparta most powerful state in Greece – Policy of

Sparta • Peloponnesian League – Sparta most powerful state in Greece – Policy of alliance with other poleis in Greece – League existed 540’s-360’s (defeat by Thebes) – Leader of Greece in Persian war; repercussions for Peloponnesian war

Sparta • Ultimately, Sparta’s unique constitution and history fades, as happens with many totalitarian

Sparta • Ultimately, Sparta’s unique constitution and history fades, as happens with many totalitarian regimes • Athens is just as unique and extraordinary; various other poleis address questions that faced them all in different ways, with different forms of government