Ancient Sparta was unique amongst the Greek city-states in many ways. That uniqueness extended to their economy. read more
The Spartan Economy. Ancient Greece was full of powerful cities, and each one handled their daily affairs a little differently. Athens and Sparta, for example, were two of the most powerful cities of the Mediterranean, but their economies were completely different. While one relied on trade, the other relied on agriculture. read more
Lacedaemon was one of the richest city-states in ancient Greece. The Spartan economy was dependent not on chattel slaves, as were the other Greek city-states, but on the non-Doric population of Laconia and the subject population of Messenia. read more
Unlike Athens, Sparta's economy depended on conquering other people and farming. Sparta's land was not enough to feed all of it's people. Because most of the Spartan men spent their lives as warriors, Sparta used slaves to produce it's goods. Sparta conquered other neighboring regions. read more
Ancient Sparta was unique amongst the Greek city-states in many ways. That uniqueness extended to their economy. In this lesson, we'll explore the Spartan economy and see what set it apart from its contemporaries. read more