Video Post about ancient Sparta

The birth of Sparta:

The Dorians who headed to the south of the Peloponnese occupied Laconia and established a powerful state centered on Sparta. Later, in an attempt to expand their territory, they came into conflict with the Messenians, whom they finally subdued after long wars (8th-7th century BC). Argos was also a strong opponent of Sparta, with whom it clashed militarily. After these wars life in Sparta changed. Trade with the other regions ceased and relations were limited. Little by little the city of Sparta "closed" itself and took the form of a camp.

Social classes:

In the internal life of the state the Spartans, to whom the land had been divided, had full rights. Their main preoccupations were political matters and the art of war.

The perioiki, that is, those who lived in settlements around Sparta, were engaged in trade. The old inhabitants became slaves (helots) with the obligation to cultivate the land and deliver a part of the production to the owners of the estate. The fear of a slave revolution was ever-present and plagued the Spartans.

State institutions:

The polity of Sparta, according to tradition, was the work of the great legislator Lycurgus. The city had two kings; this fact arose, according to one opinion, as a necessity, from the birth at one time of twin heirs. The kings did not have many responsibilities. They were religious and military leaders. The essential authority in the city was held by the five regents, responsible for the defense and external relations of the state. The senate was a council of 28 people who were over sixty years of age. His main task was to prepare the issues that were submitted for approval to Apella. All the Spartans over the age of thirty took part in this popular assembly.

Youth Education:

The way in which life was organized in Sparta also affected the education of the young. Children from the age of seven were taken over by the city. They all lived together in groups, where they learned to endure the harsh life and hardships. They were taught reading, writing, music and dancing. The girls were also trained in a similar way, who participated freely in many events of the city. They too had to acquire a strong body and develop a moral character. So they could become worthy mothers in the future.