1. Sparta

2. 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!

3. Sparta

4. 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

5. 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.

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

7. 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: 669bc (helot revolt)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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