CLST 200 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Second Messenian War, First Messenian War, Perioeci
12 Oct 2016
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For most of archaic and classical periods sparta was most powerful city in greek world. Spartans had many basic institutions other greeks had: patriarchal and polytheistic society, servile labour was key, agriculture was basis of economy, law was revered, martial valour was prized. No other greek state ever defined its goals as clearly as sparta or put in as much effort in trying to attain them. Sparta"s state was highly invasive in daily life: spartans had a lot of patriotism and selflessness, denial of individuality fostered powerful sense of belonging that other greeks envied. Difficult to write about sparta and surrounding territory, laconia: due to fact that many sources are tainted by their acceptance of idealized image of sparta (this is perception is called the spartan mirage ) Idea of sparta was a vision of egalitarian and orderly society characterized by patriotism, courage in battle, and tolerance for deprivation.
