How have historians' understanding of ancient Sparta evolved?

I seek to determine which contextual factors have contributed to each historian‟s assessment of Spartan women, and the impact that this has had on their work. As such, this historical investigation aligns well with the “Who are the historians?” component of the Extension History course. read more

Sparta's troubles are compounded by a devastating earthquake in 464. Indirectly it brings to a head the simmering hostilities between Sparta and Athens. The earthquake destroys much of the city of Sparta and kills many Spartiates - the Greek term for Sparta's warrior citizens. The helots seize the opportunity to rise in revolt. read more

Sparta, also known as Lacedaemon, was an ancient Greek city-state located primarily in the present-day region of southern Greece called Laconia. The population of Sparta consisted of three main groups: the Spartans, or Spartiates, who were full citizens; the Helots, or serfs/slaves; and the Perioeci, who were neither slaves nor citizens. read more

The political institutions of Sparta, notorious for their lack of conventional humanity, are said by ancient Greek historians to have been introduced by Lycurgus. But he is probably a figure of legend. Sparta seems to have delevoped gradually as a practical response to unusual circumstances. read more

Now that Sparta was closely tied to the military and not much after that, this was considered the Spartan way of life and the most important aspect of their society, protection, and government, which made it highly emphasized. read more