SPARTA, the main city of the Laconia region (southeastern part of the Peloponnese), the most Doric of all the states of Ancient Greece. Ancient Sparta was located on the western bank of the Eurotas River and extended north from the modern city of Sparta. Laconia is the abbreviated name of the area, which was fully called Lacedaemon, therefore the inhabitants of this area were often called "Lacedaemonians", which is almost equivalent to the words "Spartan" or "Spartiate".

Sparta, whose name may mean "scattered" (other interpretations are offered), consisted of estates and estates scattered over the area, the center of which was a low hill, which later became the acropolis. Initially, the city did not have walls and remained true to this principle until the 2nd century BC. BC. During the excavations of the British School of Athens (carried out in 1906-1910 and 1924-1929), the remains of several buildings were discovered, including the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, the temple of Athena Mednodomnaya and the theater. The theater was built of white marble and, according to Pausanias, who described the buildings of Sparta c. 160 AD, was a “landmark”, but this stone building dates back to the era of Roman rule. From the low acropolis, a magnificent view of the Evrota Valley and the majestic Mount Taygetus, rising steeply to a height of 2406 m and forming the western border of Sparta, opened.

Many historians believe that Sparta arose relatively late, after the “Dorian invasion”, which supposedly occurred between 1150 and 1100 BC. Initially, the invaders settled in or near the cities they conquered, and often destroyed, but a century later they created their own "capital" near the river Evrota. Since Sparta had not yet emerged in the period to which most historians attribute the Trojan War (c. 1200 BC), the myth of the abduction of Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, by Paris, was probably attributed to Sparta. In neighboring Therapnae, where there was a large city of the Mycenaean era, there was a sanctuary of Menelaion, and the cult of Menelaus and Helen went up to the classical period.

Population growth and the associated economic and social problems inspired the Spartans to expand outwardly. Excluding the one founded in Italy in the 8th century. BC. the colony of Tarentum Sparta expanded only at the expense of Greece proper. During the 1st and 2nd Messenian Wars (between 725 and 600 BC), Messenia was conquered to the west of Sparta, and the Messenians were turned into helots, i.e. state slaves. Evidence of Spartan activity is the legend of how the inhabitants of Elis, with the support of Sparta, managed to wrest control of the Olympic Games from their rivals, the inhabitants of Pisa. The first recorded victory of the Spartans in Olympia is the victory of Akanthos in running at the 15th Olympiad (720 BC). For more than a century, Spartan athletes have dominated the Olympic Games, achieving 46 victories out of 81 recorded in the annals.

Having won another part of the territory from Argos and Arcadia, Sparta moved from a policy of conquest to building up its power through the conclusion of agreements with various states. As the head of the Peloponnesian Union (began to emerge c. 550 BC, took shape c. 510–500 BC), Sparta actually dominated the entire Peloponnese, with the exception of Argos and Achaia on the northern coast, and .e. became the most powerful military power in Greece. Thus, a force was created that became a counterweight to the impending invasion of the Persians, the combined efforts of the Peloponnesian League and Athens with their allies led to a decisive victory over the Persians at Salamis and Plataea in 480 and 479 BC.

The conflict between the two greatest states of Greece, Doric Sparta and Ionian Athens, land and sea power, was inevitable, and in 431 BC. The Peloponnesian War broke out. Ultimately, in 404 BC. Sparta prevailed, and the Athenian power perished. Dissatisfaction with Spartan dominance in Greece led to a new war. The Thebans and their allies, led by Epaminondas, inflicted a heavy defeat on the Spartans at Leuctra (371 BC) and at Mantinea (362 BC), after which, if we forget about short bursts of activity and random periods of takeoff, Sparta became lose its former power.

Under the tyrant Nabid c. 200 BC or soon after Sparta was surrounded by a wall, at the same time a stone theater appeared. During the period of Roman rule, which began in 146 BC, Sparta turned into a large and prosperous provincial city, defensive and other structures were erected here. Sparta flourished until 350 AD. In 396 the city was destroyed by Alaric.

Of particular importance in world history is the influence exerted on later state systems by the political and social structure of Sparta. At the head of the Spartan state were two kings, one from the Agids clan, the other from the Eurypontides clan, which was probably originally associated with the union of the two tribes. The two kings held meetings together with the gerousia, i.e. Council of Elders, to which 28 people over 60 were elected for life. All Spartans who had reached the age of 30 and had enough funds to perform what was considered necessary for a citizen (in particular, contribute their share to participate in joint meals, fiditiya) participated in the national assembly (apella). Later, the institution of ephors arose, five officials who were elected by the assembly, one from each region of Sparta. The five ephors acquired power that surpassed that of the kings (perhaps after the exercise of this office by Chilo c. 555 BC). To prevent uprisings of the helots who had a numerical superiority and to maintain the combat readiness of their own citizens, secret sorties (they were called cryptia) were constantly arranged to kill the helots.

Surprisingly, the type of civilization that is now called Spartan is not typical of early Sparta. The excavations carried out by the British confirmed the theory put forward by historians on the basis of written monuments that before 600 BC. Spartan culture generally coincided with the way of life of the then Athens and other Greek states. Sculpture fragments, fine ceramics, ivory, bronze, lead and terracotta figurines found in this area testify to the high level of Spartan culture, just like the poetry of Tyrtaeus and Alcman (7th century BC). However, shortly after 600 BC. there was a sudden change. Art and poetry disappear, the names of Spartan athletes no longer appear on the lists of Olympic winners. Before these changes made themselves felt, the Spartan Gitiades built the "copper house of Athena" (the temple of Athena Poliuhos); 50 years later, on the contrary, foreign craftsmen Theodore of Samos and Batikl from Magnesia had to be invited to build, respectively, the Skiada (probably a meeting room) in Sparta and the temple of Apollo Hyacinthius in Amikla. Sparta suddenly became a military camp, and from then on, the militarized state produced only soldiers. The introduction of this way of life is usually attributed to Lycurgus, although it is not clear whether Lycurgus was a god, a mythical hero, or a historical figure.

The Spartan state consisted of three classes: the Spartans, or Spartans; perieki (lit. "living nearby"), the inhabitants of the allied cities that surrounded Lacedaemon; helots. Only Spartans could vote and enter the governing bodies. They were forbidden to engage in trade and, in order to discourage them from making a profit, use gold and silver coins. The land plots of the Spartans, cultivated by the helots, were supposed to give their owners sufficient income to purchase military equipment and meet daily needs. Trade and production were carried out by the perieks. They did not participate in the political life of Sparta, but they had certain rights, as well as the privilege of serving in the army. Thanks to the labor of numerous helots, the Spartans could devote all their time to physical exercises and military affairs.

It is estimated that by 600 BC. there were approx. 25 thousand citizens, 100 thousand perieks and 250 thousand helots. Later, the number of helots exceeded the number of citizens by 15 times. Wars and economic hardships reduced the number of Spartans. During the Greco-Persian Wars (480 BC), Sparta fielded ca. 5000 Spartans, but a century later at the Battle of Leuctra (371 BC) only 2000 fought. It is mentioned that in the 3rd century. Sparta had only 700 citizens.

To maintain their position in the state, the Spartans felt the need for a large regular army. The state controlled the life of citizens from birth to death. At the birth of a child, the state determined whether a healthy citizen would grow out of him or whether he should be taken to Mount Taygetos. The boy spent the first years of his life at home. From the age of 7, education was taken over by the state, and almost all the time the children devoted to physical exercises and military drill. At the age of 20, a young Spartiate joined phiditia, i.e. company of companions of fifteen people, continuing his military training with them. He had the right to marry, but he could only visit his wife in secret. At the age of 30, a Spartiate became a full citizen and could participate in the people's assembly, but he spent the lion's share of his time in the gymnasium, forestry (something like a club) and fidity. On the gravestone of a Spartan, only his name was carved; if he died in battle, the words "in war" were added.

Spartan girls also received athletic training that included running, jumping, wrestling, discus and javelin throwing. It is reported that Lycurgus allegedly introduced such training for girls so that they would grow up strong and courageous, capable of producing strong and healthy children.

The Spartans deliberately introduced a despotism that deprived the individual of freedom and initiative and destroyed the influence of the family. However, the Spartan way of life was very appealing to Plato, who included in his ideal state many of its militaristic, totalitarian and communist features.

Ancient Sparta was the main economic and military rival of Athens. The city-state and its surrounding territory were located on the Peloponnese peninsula, southwest of Athens. Administratively, Sparta (also called Lacedaemon) was the capital of the province of Laconia.

The adjective "Spartan" in the modern world came from energetic warriors with an iron heart and steel endurance. The inhabitants of Sparta were famous not for arts, science or architecture, but for brave warriors, for whom the concept of honor, courage and strength were put above all else. Athens of that time, with its beautiful statues and temples, was a stronghold of poetry, philosophy and politics, which dominated the intellectual life of Greece. However, such superiority was bound to end someday.

Raising children in Sparta

One of the principles that guided the inhabitants of Sparta was that the life of every person, from the moment of birth until death, belongs entirely to the state. The elders of the city were empowered to decide the fate of newborns - healthy and strong children were left in the city, and weak or sick children were thrown into the nearest abyss. So the Spartans tried to secure physical superiority over their enemies. Children who have passed the "natural selection" were brought up in conditions of severe discipline. At the age of 7, the boys were taken away from their parents and brought up separately, in small groups. The strongest and most courageous young men eventually became captains. The boys slept in the common rooms on hard and uncomfortable reed beds. Young Spartans ate simple food - a soup of pig blood, meat and vinegar, lentils and other coarse food.

One day, a wealthy guest who came to Sparta from Sybaris decided to taste the “black stew”, after which he said that now he understands why Spartan warriors lose their lives so easily. Often the boys were left hungry for several days, thereby inciting petty theft in the market. This was not done with the intention of making a young man a skilled thief, but only to develop ingenuity and dexterity - if he was caught stealing, then he was severely punished. There are legends about a young Spartan who stole a young fox from the market, and when it was time for dinner, he hid it under his clothes. So that the boy would not be convicted of theft, he endured the pain from the fact that the fox gnawed his stomach, and died without issuing a single sound. Over time, the discipline only became tougher. All adult males between the ages of 20 and 60 were required to serve in the Spartan army. They were allowed to marry, but even after that, the Spartans continued to spend the night in barracks and eat in common canteens. Warriors were not allowed to own any property, especially gold and silver. Their money looked like iron bars of various sizes. Restraint extended not only to life, food and clothing, but also to the speech of the Spartans. In conversation, they were very laconic, limiting themselves to extremely concise and specific answers. This manner of communication in ancient Greece was called "conciseness" on behalf of the area in which Sparta was located.

Life of the Spartans

In general, as in any other culture, issues of life and nutrition shed light on interesting little things in people's lives. The Spartans, unlike the inhabitants of other Greek cities, did not attach much importance to food. In their opinion, food should not serve to satisfy, but only to saturate the warrior before the battle. The Spartans dined at a common table, while the products for lunch were handed over in the same amount - this was how the equality of all citizens was maintained. Neighbors on the table vigilantly watched each other, and if someone did not like the food, he was ridiculed and compared with the spoiled inhabitants of Athens. But when the time came for the battle, the Spartans changed dramatically: they put on the best outfits, and marched towards death with songs and music. From birth, they were taught to perceive each day as their last, not to be afraid and not to retreat. Death in battle was desirable and equated to the ideal end of a real man's life. There were 3 classes of inhabitants in Laconia. The first, most revered, were inhabitants of Sparta who had military training and participated in the political life of the city. Second class - perieki, or residents of surrounding small towns and villages. They were free, although they did not have any political rights. Engaged in trade and handicrafts, the perieks were a kind of "service personnel" for the Spartan army. lower class - helots, were serfs, and did not differ much from slaves. Due to the fact that their marriages were not controlled by the state, the helots were the most numerous category of inhabitants, and were kept from rebellion only thanks to the iron grip of their masters.

Political life of Sparta

One of the features of Sparta was that two kings were at the head of the state at the same time. They ruled jointly, serving as high priests and military leaders. Each of the kings controlled the activities of the other, which ensured the openness and fairness of the decisions of the authorities. The kings were subject to a "cabinet of ministers", consisting of five ethers or observers, who exercised general guardianship over laws and customs. The legislative branch consisted of a council of elders headed by two kings. The Council elected the most respected people of Sparta who have overcome the 60-year age barrier. Army of Sparta, despite the relatively modest number, was well trained and disciplined. Each warrior was filled with determination to win or die - returning with a loss was unacceptable, and was an indelible shame for life. Wives and mothers, sending their husbands and sons to war, solemnly handed them a shield with the words: "Come back with a shield or on it." Over time, the militant Spartans captured most of the Peloponnese, significantly expanding the boundaries of possessions. A clash with Athens was inevitable. The rivalry came to a head during the Peloponnesian War, and led to the fall of Athens. But the tyranny of the Spartans caused the hatred of the inhabitants and mass uprisings, which led to the gradual liberalization of power. The number of specially trained warriors decreased, which allowed the inhabitants of Thebes, after about 30 years of Spartan oppression, to overthrow the power of the invaders.

History of Sparta interesting not only from the point of view of military achievements, but also the factors of the political and life structure. Courage, selflessness and the desire for victory of the Spartan warriors - these are the qualities that made it possible not only to restrain the constant attacks of enemies, but also to expand the boundaries of influence. The warriors of this small state easily defeated armies of many thousands and were a clear threat to the enemies. Sparta and its inhabitants, brought up on the principles of restraint and the rule of force, was the opposite of the educated and pampered rich life of Athens, which in the end led to a clash of these two civilizations.

Greece. Mount Athos guide in Greece

On the territory of modern Greece, there is an amazing, mysterious and fertile monastic country on Mount Athos - the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. Orthodox all over the world consider this place one of the holiest on the planet. After all, it was here, according to legend, that the Most Holy Theotokos preached and told people about faith in Christ. For this, God gave her this land in His Destiny. Since then, the second name of the area is the Gardens of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Greek beaches

The coastline of Greece covers almost 16 thousand kilometers. The mainland and the island are surrounded by countless beautiful beaches, coves and bays. Greek beaches are world famous and extremely popular. Tourists have the opportunity to enjoy pebbly beaches, golden stretches of sand with dunes, coastal caves, steep cliffs and dark sand.

Modern Elders of Athos Paisios Svyatogorets

Oracles in Ancient Greece

The glory of Sparta - the Peloponnesian city in Laconia - is very loud in historical chronicles and in the world. It was one of the most famous policies of ancient Greece, which did not know unrest and civil upheavals, and its army never retreated from enemies.

Sparta was founded by Lacedaemon, who reigned in Laconia one and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ and named the city after his wife. In the first centuries of the existence of the city, there were no walls around it: they were erected only under the tyrant Naviz. True, they were later destroyed, but Appius Claudius soon erected new ones.

The ancient Greeks considered the legislator Lycurgus to be the creator of the Spartan state, whose life time falls approximately in the first half of the 7th century BC. e. The population of ancient Sparta in its composition was divided in those days into three groups: Spartans, perieks and helots. The Spartans lived in Sparta itself and enjoyed all the rights of citizenship of their city-state: they had to fulfill all the requirements of the law and they were admitted to all honorary public positions. The occupation of agriculture and handicrafts, although it was not forbidden to this class, did not correspond to the image of the upbringing of the Spartans and therefore was despised by them.

Most of the lands of Laconia were at their disposal and cultivated for them by the helots. In order to own a plot of land, a Spartan had to fulfill two requirements: to follow all the rules of discipline exactly and to provide a certain part of the income for a sissitium - a public table: barley flour, wine, cheese, etc.

Game was obtained by hunting in state forests; moreover, everyone who sacrificed to the gods sent a part of the carcass of the sacrificial animal to the sissitium. Violation or failure to comply with these rules (for any reason) led to the loss of citizenship rights. All full citizens of ancient Sparta, young and old, had to participate in these dinners, while no one had any advantages and privileges.

The circle of perieks was also made up of free people, but they were not full citizens of Sparta. Perieki inhabited all the cities of Laconia, except for Sparta, which belonged exclusively to the Spartans. They did not constitute a politically whole city-state, since they received control in their cities only from Sparta. The periaeci of the various cities were independent of each other, and at the same time each of them was dependent on Sparta.

Helots made up the rural population of Laconia: they were slaves of those lands that were cultivated in favor of the Spartans and perieks. Helots also lived in cities, but urban life was not typical for helots. They were allowed to have a house, a wife and a family, it was forbidden to sell the helot outside the possessions. Some scholars believe that the sale of helots was generally impossible, since they were the property of the state, and not of individuals. Some information has come down to our times about the cruel treatment of the Helots by the Spartans, although again some of the scientists believe that contempt was more visible in this respect.

Plutarch reports that every year (by virtue of the decrees of Lycurgus) the ephors solemnly declared war against the helots. Young Spartans, armed with daggers, went all over Laconia and exterminated the unfortunate helots. But over time, scientists found that this method of exterminating the helots was not legalized during Lycurgus, but only after the First Messenian War, when the helots became dangerous for the state.

Plutarch, the author of biographies of prominent Greeks and Romans, starting his story about the life and laws of Lycurgus, warned the reader that nothing reliable could be reported about them. And yet he had no doubt that this politician was a historical figure.

Most modern scholars consider Lycurgus to be a legendary person: one of the first to doubt his historical existence back in the 1820s was the well-known German historian of antiquity K.O. Muller. He suggested that the so-called "laws of Lycurgus" are much older than their legislator, since these are not so much laws as ancient folk customs, rooted in the distant past of the Dorians and all other Hellenes.

Many of the scientists (W. Wilamowitz, E. Meyer and others) consider the biography of the Spartan legislator, preserved in several versions, as a late revision of the myth of the ancient Laconian deity Lycurgus. Adherents of this trend questioned the very existence of "legislation" in ancient Sparta. E. Meyer classified the customs and rules that regulated the daily life of the Spartans as “the way of life of the Dorian tribal community”, from which classical Sparta grew almost without any changes.

But the results of archaeological excavations, which were carried out in 1906-1910 by the English archaeological expedition in Sparta, served as a pretext for the partial rehabilitation of the ancient legend about the legislation of Lycurgus. The British explored the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, one of the most ancient temples of Sparta, and discovered many works of art of local production: wonderful examples of painted ceramics, unique terracotta masks (not found anywhere else), objects made of bronze, gold, amber and ivory.

For the most part, these finds somehow did not fit in with the ideas of the harsh and ascetic life of the Spartans, of the almost complete isolation of their city from the rest of the world. And then scientists suggested that the laws of Lycurgus in the 7th century BC. e. were not yet put into action and the economic and cultural development of Sparta proceeded in the same way as the development of other Greek states. Only towards the end of the 6th century BC. e. Sparta closes in on itself and turns into the city-state as ancient writers knew it.

Because of the threats of a rebellion by the helots, the situation was then restless, and therefore the "initiators of reforms" could resort (as was often the case in ancient times) to the authority of some hero or deity. In Sparta, Lycurgus was chosen for this role, who gradually began to turn from a deity into a historical legislator, although ideas about his divine origin persisted until the time of Herodotus.

Lycurgus had a chance to put in order a cruel and outrageous people, therefore it was necessary to teach him to resist the onslaught of other states, and for this to make everyone skillful warriors. One of the first reforms of Lycurgus was the organization of the management of the Spartan community. Ancient writers claimed that he created the Council of Elders (gerousia) of 28 people. The elders (geronts) were elected by the apella - the people's assembly; The Gerousia also included two kings, one of whose main duties was to command the army during the war.

From the descriptions of Pausanias we know that the period of the most intensive building activity in the history of Sparta was the 6th century BC. e. At that time, the temple of Athena Mednodomnaya on the acropolis, the portico of Skiada, the so-called "throne of Apollo" and other buildings were erected in the city. But on Thucydides, who saw Sparta in the last quarter of the 5th century BC. e., the city made the most bleak impression.

Against the backdrop of the luxury and grandeur of Athenian architecture from the time of Pericles, Sparta already seemed a nondescript provincial town. The Spartans themselves, not being afraid to be considered old-fashioned, did not stop worshiping archaic stone and wooden idols at a time when Phidias, Myron, Praxiteles and other outstanding sculptors of Ancient Greece created their masterpieces in other Hellenic cities.

In the second half of the VI century BC. e. there was a noticeable cooling of the Spartans for the Olympic Games. Prior to that, they took an active part in them and accounted for more than half of the winners, and in all major types of competitions. Subsequently, for all the time from 548 to 480 BC. e., only one representative of Sparta, King Demarat, won the victory, and only in one type of competition - horse racing at the hippodrome.

In order to achieve harmony and peace in Sparta, Lycurgus decided to permanently eradicate wealth and poverty in his state. He forbade the use of gold and silver coins, which were used throughout Greece, and instead introduced iron money in the form of obols. They bought only what was produced in Sparta itself; in addition, they were so heavy that even a small amount had to be transported on a wagon.

Lycurgus also prescribed the way of home life: all Spartans, from a simple citizen to a king, had to live in exactly the same conditions. A special order indicated what houses could be built, what clothes to wear: it had to be so simple that there was no place for any luxury. Even the food had to be the same for everyone.

Thus, in Sparta, wealth gradually lost all meaning, since it was impossible to use it: citizens began to think less about their own good, and more about the state. Nowhere in Sparta did poverty coexist with wealth, as a result, there was no envy, rivalry and other selfish passions that exhausted a person. There was also no greed that opposes private benefit to the public good and arms one citizen against another.

One of the Spartan youths, who bought land for nothing, was put on trial. The accusation said that he was still very young, and was already tempted by profit, while self-interest is the enemy of every inhabitant of Sparta.

The upbringing of children was considered in Sparta one of the main duties of a citizen. The Spartan, who had three sons, was exempted from guard duty, and the father of five from all existing duties.

From the age of 7, the Spartan no longer belonged to his family: the children were separated from their parents and began social life. From that moment on, they were brought up in special detachments (agels), where they were supervised not only by fellow citizens, but also by specially assigned censors. Children were taught to read and write, they were taught to be silent for a long time, and to speak concisely - briefly and clearly.

Gymnastic and sports exercises were supposed to develop dexterity and strength in them; so that there was harmony in the movements, the young men were obliged to participate in choral dances; hunting in the forests of Laconia developed patience for hard trials. They fed the children rather poorly, therefore they made up for the lack of food not only by hunting, but also by theft, since they were also taught to steal; however, if someone came across, they beat them mercilessly - not for theft, but for awkwardness.

Young men who reached the age of 16 were subjected to a very severe test at the altar of the goddess Artemis: they were cruelly flogged, but they had to be silent. Even the smallest cry or groan contributed to the continuation of the punishment: some did not stand the test and died.

In Sparta, there was a law according to which no one was supposed to be more complete than necessary. According to this law, all young men who had not yet achieved civil rights were shown to the ephors - members of the election commission. If the young men were strong and strong, then they were honored with praise; young men, whose body was considered too flabby and loose, were beaten with sticks, as their appearance dishonored Sparta and its laws.

Plutarch and Xenophon wrote that Lycurgus legitimized that women also perform the same exercises as men, and through that they became strong and could give birth to strong and healthy offspring. Thus, Spartan women were worthy of their husbands, as they were also subject to a harsh upbringing.

The women of ancient Sparta, whose sons died, went to the battlefield and looked where they were wounded. If in the chest, then the women proudly looked at those around them and honorably buried their children in their father's tombs. If they saw wounds on their backs, then, weeping with shame, they hurried to hide, leaving others to bury the dead.

Marriage in Sparta was also subject to the law: personal feelings did not matter, because it was all a matter of state. Boys and girls could enter into marriage, whose physiological development corresponded to each other and from whom healthy children could be expected: marriage between persons of unequal builds was not allowed.

But Aristotle speaks of the position of Spartan women in a completely different way: while the Spartans led a strict, almost ascetic life, their wives indulged in extraordinary luxury in their home. This circumstance forced men to get money often in dishonest ways, because direct funds were forbidden to them. Aristotle wrote that Lycurgus tried to subject Spartan women to the same strict discipline, but met with a decisive rebuff from their side.

Left to their own devices, women became self-willed, indulged in luxury and licentiousness, they even began to interfere in state affairs, which eventually led to a real gynecocracy in Sparta. “And what difference does it make,” Aristotle asks bitterly, “whether the women themselves rule or whether the ruling persons are under their power?” The blame for the Spartans was that they behaved boldly and impudently and allowed themselves luxury, which challenged the strict norms of state discipline and morality.

To protect his legislation from foreign influence, Lycurgus limited Sparta's ties with foreigners. Without permission, which was given only in cases of special importance, the Spartan could not leave the cities and travel abroad. Foreigners were also forbidden from entering Sparta. The inhospitality of Sparta was the most famous phenomenon in the ancient world.

The citizens of ancient Sparta were something like a military garrison, constantly exercising and always ready for war either with the helots or with an external enemy. The legislation of Lycurgus took on an exclusively military character also because those were the times when there was no public and personal security, there were no general principles on which state tranquility is based. In addition, the Dorians in a very small number settled in the country of the helots they conquered and were surrounded by half-subdued or not subdued Achaeans at all, therefore they could only hold on to battles and victories.

Such a harsh upbringing, at first glance, could make the life of ancient Sparta very boring, and the people themselves unhappy. But from the writings of ancient Greek authors it is clear that such unusual laws made the Spartans the most prosperous people in the ancient world, because everywhere only rivalry in the acquisition of virtues dominated.

There was a prediction that Sparta would remain a strong and powerful state as long as it followed the laws of Lycurgus and remained indifferent to gold and silver. After the war with Athens, the Spartans brought money to their city, which seduced the inhabitants of Sparta and forced them to retreat from the laws of Lycurgus. And from that moment on, their prowess began to gradually fade away ...

Aristotle, on the other hand, believes that it was the abnormal position of women in Spartan society that led to the fact that Sparta in the second half of the 4th century BC. e. terribly depopulated and lost its former military power.

Among the many ancient Greek states, two stood out - Laconia or Laconia (Sparta) and Attica (Athens). In essence, these were antagonist states with a social system opposite to each other.

Sparta of Ancient Greece existed in the southern lands of the Peloponnese from the 9th to the 2nd century BC. e. It is notable for the fact that it was ruled by two kings. They passed on their power by inheritance. However, the real administrative power belonged to the elders. They were chosen from among respected Spartans aged at least 50 years.

Sparta on the map of Greece

It was the council that decided all state affairs. As for the kings, they performed purely military functions, that is, they were commanders of the army. Moreover, when one king went on a campaign, the second remained in the city with part of the soldiers.

An example here is the king Lycurgus, although it is not known for sure whether he was a king or simply belonged to the royal family and had great authority. The ancient historians Plutarch and Herodotus wrote that he was the ruler of the state, but did not specify what position this person held.

The activities of Lycurgus belonged to the first half of the 9th century BC. e. It was under him that laws were passed that did not give citizens the opportunity to enrich themselves. Therefore, in Spartan society there was no property stratification.

All land suitable for plowing was divided into equal plots, which were called cleres. Each family received an allotment. He provided people with barley flour, wine and vegetable oil. According to the legislator, this was quite enough to lead a normal life.

Luxury was relentlessly pursued. Gold and silver coins were even withdrawn from circulation. Crafts and trade were also banned. It was forbidden to sell agricultural surpluses. That is, under Lycurgus, everything was done so that people could not earn too much.

War was considered the main occupation of the Spartan state. It was the conquered peoples who provided the conquerors with everything necessary for life. And on the land plots of the Spartans worked slaves, who were called helots.

The entire society of Sparta was divided into military units. In each of them, joint meals were practiced or sissy. People ate from a common cauldron, and food was brought from home. During the meal, the commanders of the detachment made sure that all portions were eaten. In the event that someone ate badly and without appetite, then there was a suspicion that the person ate tightly somewhere on the side. The offender could be expelled from the detachment or punished with a large fine.

Spartan warriors armed with spears

All the men of Sparta were warriors, and they were taught the art of war from early childhood. It was believed that a mortally wounded warrior should die in silence, not even uttering a quiet groan. The Spartan phalanx, bristling with long spears, horrified all the states of Ancient Greece.

Mothers and wives, seeing off their sons and husbands to the war, said: "With a shield or on a shield." This meant that the men were expected to go home either with a victory or dead. The bodies of the dead were always carried by the comrades-in-arms on shields. But those who ran away from the battlefield were awaited by universal contempt and shame. Parents, wives, and their own children turned away from them.

It should be noted that the inhabitants of Laconica (Laconia) have never been distinguished by verbosity. They were short and to the point. It was from these Greek lands that such terms as "laconic speech" and "laconicism" spread.

It must be said that Sparta of Ancient Greece had a very small population. Its number over the centuries has not consistently exceeded 10 thousand people. However, this small number of people kept all the southern and middle lands of the Balkan Peninsula at bay. And such superiority was achieved due to cruel customs.

When a boy was born in the family, the elders examined him. If the baby turned out to be too frail or sick in appearance, then he was thrown from a cliff onto sharp stones. The corpse of the unfortunate bird of prey was immediately eaten.

The customs of the Spartans were extremely cruel

Only healthy and strong children remained alive. Upon reaching the age of 7, the boys were taken away from their parents and united in small detachments. They were dominated by iron discipline. Future warriors were taught to endure pain, courageously endure beatings, unquestioningly obey their mentors.

For periods, children were not fed at all, and they had to earn their own living by hunting or stealing. If such a child was caught in someone's garden, then they were severely punished, but not for theft, but for being caught.

This barracks life continued until the age of 20. After that, the young man was given a plot of land, and he got the opportunity to start a family. It should be noted that Spartan girls were also trained in the art of war, but not in such harsh conditions as among boys.

Sunset of Sparta

Although the conquered peoples were afraid of the Spartans, they periodically rebelled against them. And the conquerors, although they had excellent military training, did not always turn out to be winners.

An example here is the uprising in Messenia in the 7th century BC. e. It was led by the fearless warrior Aristomenes. Under his leadership, several sensitive defeats were inflicted on the Spartan phalanxes.

However, there were traitors in the ranks of the rebels. Thanks to their betrayal, the army of Aristomenes was defeated, and the fearless warrior himself began a guerrilla war. One night, he made his way to Sparta, entered the main sanctuary and, wanting to shame the enemies before the gods, left on the altar the weapon taken from the Spartan warriors in battle. This shame remained in the memory of people for centuries.

In the IV century BC. e. Sparta of ancient Greece began to gradually weaken. Other peoples entered the political arena, headed by smart and talented commanders. Here one can name Philip of Macedon and his famous son Alexander of Macedon. The inhabitants of Laconica fell into complete dependence on these prominent political figures of antiquity.

Then came the turn of the Roman Republic. In 146 BC. e. The Spartans submitted to Rome. However, formally freedom was preserved, but under the complete control of the Romans. In principle, this date is considered the end of the Spartan state. It became history, but it has been preserved in the memory of people to this day.

In today's lesson, you will get acquainted with the second most important city of Greece - Sparta. It was located in the south of the Peloponnese peninsula. After the Dorians invaded Greece, part of them invaded Laconia and gradually conquered it. Lakonika was a fertile valley descending to the coast, which was cut through by the river Evros. There were no harbors suitable for navigation. From all sides the valley was surrounded by rugged mountains, in which there were reserves of iron ore.

background

Sparta is one of the largest city-states of Ancient Greece and one of the most unusual. Where did the Spartans come from? It is believed that their ancestors came to Greece from the north of the Balkan Peninsula, it was a tribe of Dorians. The Dorians settled in the very south of Greece, in the region of Laconia, and became known as the Spartans.

True, there is a legend according to which the Spartans were the descendants of Hercules.

Events

The Spartans were very warlike and gradually subjugated the surrounding territories. The inhabitants of the region of Messenia desperately resisted, so the Spartans had to fight them twice:

• 8th century BC.- The first war of Sparta against Messenia. Annexation of Messenia.
• 7th century BC.- Messenian uprising under the leadership of Aristomenes. The second war of Sparta against Messenia: Messenia is completely conquered, after which Sparta became the largest policy in Greece.

Sparta was ruled by:

• Two kings. Their power was hereditary. The main task of kings is to lead the army during the war.
• Council of Elders of 28 people. The members of the council were elders in the truest sense of the word: they were all over 60 years old.
• People's Assembly. Unlike, in Sparta, at a national meeting, it was impossible to make a speech to the people, to express their opinion. You could only vote "for" or "against".

All the inhabitants of Sparta were divided into three categories:

• Spartans (Spartans) - the upper class. Only the Spartans were full citizens.
• Perieki is an intermediate class. Perieki were free, but were not considered citizens of Sparta. They were mainly engaged in crafts.
• Helots - people from the territories conquered by Sparta. They were engaged in agriculture, performed hard work. Worked for the Spartans.

The way of life of the Spartans (the upper class of Sparta) was very unusual. It is believed that the rules of social organization were given to the Spartans by Lycurgus.

• The main occupation of the Spartans is military affairs.
• Manual labor, trade and crafts were despised.
• The Spartans were equal in property. There were no rich and poor.
• Life was strictly disciplined, as in wartime.
• The upbringing of children was considered a state affair, not a family one. Only strong babies were left to live.
• From childhood, boys were taught to endure hardships, to be fearless, not to be afraid of quarrels and fights.
• Much attention in education was paid to physical development, the ability to fight.
• The Spartans were required to speak briefly and precisely, to speak concisely.
• The Spartans were very pious.
• It was a disgrace for a Spartan to flee from the battlefield.
• The Spartans were forbidden to travel outside the borders of the policy.

Members

Legendary legislator of Sparta. Whether Lycurgus actually existed is unknown.

Aristomenes- the leader of the uprising in Messinia.

Rice. 1. Peloponnese Peninsula ()

Dorians were citizens of the Spartan state. Most of the population of Laconica and neighboring Messenia (Fig. 1) were enslaved by the Spartans, they were called helots.

It just so happened that in the spring the Spartans came to the villages to the helots and killed whomever they pleased. However, they never touched women and old people. They chose young and strong men, those who could fight back. For the young Spartans, it was a game. Like wolf cubs, hiding in haystacks, they burst into huts and killed people taken by surprise. And if the young man does not kill a single helot, the old people will laugh at him: “You are not a Spartan, you are a miserable coward!”

The whole land of Laconia and Messenia was divided into equal sections. Spartan families received a piece of land without the right to sell or donate it. Helots lived and worked on these allotments. From each allotment, each Spartan family received the same amount of grain grown by the helots, olives, vegetables and other products.

The Spartans shrouded their state in a veil of secrecy, not allowing either strangers to come to them or their citizens to leave the boundaries of the community. Even merchants did not bring goods to Sparta - the Spartans did not buy or sell anything. Sparta looked like a military camp, it was a gloomy and unfriendly city. There was no noisy market, no theater, no stone statues, no temples. There are detachments of marching warriors on the streets, since the basis of the army was the infantry, who did not know what fatigue and retreat were. The Spartans were proud that their city, the only one in Hellas, had no walls, for the courage of young warriors was its walls.

The sage Lycurgus was able to strengthen the Spartan state (Fig. 2). The figure of Lycurgus raises many questions. First of all, about whether it was the name of a deity or a real historical character. According to the surviving data, he gave Sparta laws and made sure that they became eternal. According to legend, Lycurgus went to Delphi, taking an oath from the Spartans not to change the laws until his return. At Delphi he committed suicide. So the Spartan laws remained unchanged.

The state structure of Sparta was very simple and almost did not change from the 8th to the 3rd century BC. At the head of the state were two kings - commanders from different families - and a Council of 28 elders (geronts), which decided all important issues. The most important of them were discussed by the general meeting of the Spartan warriors (Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. Management in Sparta

The upbringing of children was also special in Sparta. There was a custom in Sparta. If a son was born to a Spartan, the parents carried him to show the elders. In the event that the baby is weak, as they would say frail, the sentence of the elders was severe: such a child should not live, he was thrown off a cliff, and his parents were consoled by the fact that they would still give birth to healthy and strong children.

Boys from the age of 7 were taken away from their parents and brought up in military units. They slept on beds of prickly reeds and walked barefoot. Once a year they were given a cloak, which they put on their naked bodies. Hair cut bald. Adults made sure that children quarreled more often, fought, so that character would be tempered in fights and courage would appear. They were taught to endure deprivation and hunger, they were fed poorly, encouraging theft in other people's gardens and storerooms. Upon learning of the tricks of his sons, the father rejoiced: “Well done, they will be able to feed themselves during a military campaign, they will not be afraid of difficulties!” If the boys are caught, they will be whipped.

Young Spartans were taught to speak briefly, to give accurate and accurate answers. (Such speech is called laconic - after the name of the Laconic region).

The Athenians called the Spartans ignoramuses, because boys did not learn to read and write. But they were intensely engaged in running, gymnastics, discus and javelin throwing, showing courage and dexterity. The boys spent hours learning the war songs with which the Spartans went into battle to the sound of a flute. Young Spartans glorified the fallen for Sparta, sang of courage and courage.

Bibliography

1. A.A. Vigasin, G.I. Goder, I.S. Sventsitskaya. Ancient world history. Grade 5 - M .: Education, 2006.
2. Nemirovsky A.I. A book to read on the history of the ancient world. - M.: Enlightenment, 1991.

1. Clan-rw.ru ()
2. Travel-in-time.org()

Homework

1. What was the difference between the living conditions of the inhabitants of Sparta and Athens in the 7th-6th centuries. BC eh?.
2. What did you like and dislike about raising Spartan boys? Why?
3. What should have been the speech of the Spartans?