Explain why...
Explain why Sparta did not build city walls.
The Spartans are their own walls
A source states: “Sparta’s young men were her walls.”
What does this suggest about Spartan society?
Military / warrior state
Sparta was only focused on war
Myth
This goddess was worshipped at a key Spartan sanctuary where boys underwent ritual flogging.
Who is Artemis Orthia?
This river valley formed the fertile agricultural heart of Sparta.
Eurotas Valley / River
Explain why Sparta valued discipline in young boys.
Agoge prepared young boys for disciplined military life
Plutarch describes the flogging at Artemis Orthia.
Identify ONE value of this source.
Insight into the values of Spartan society (control, discipline, endurance)
Sparta had important religious festivals.
Reality
This three-day Spartan festival, held at Amyclae, honoured both Apollo and a local hero.
What is the Hyacinthia?
This mountain range to the west of Sparta acted as a natural barrier, contributing to its isolation.
What is Mount Taygetus?
Explain why Sparta became a highly militarised society.
Lycurgan reforms / fear of Helot revolt
Identify ONE limitation of Plutarch as a source for Sparta.
Wrote centuries after / not Greek / wrote with the agenda of instilling morals
Sparta had no culture or artistic life
Myth
This hero and his partner were worshipped at a sanctuary overlooking the Eurotas Valley, reinforcing Spartan identity through myth.
Who are Menelaus and Helen?
This group of people worked the land in Laconia and Messenia, supporting the Spartan economy.
Who are the helots?
Explain why religion was important in reinforcing Spartan values.
Spartan gods all reinforced core values - e.g. Orthia - rituals, obedience, Apollo - balance, order
How does archaeological evidence from Artemis Orthia challenge written sources?
Shows consistent and broad participation, religion as a central part of Spartan life, not just about military
Spartan religion reinforced social cohesion
Reality
This god, associated with youth and order, was central to one of Sparta’s most important sanctuaries at Amyclae.
Who is Apollo Amyklaios
This region was conquered by Sparta in the 8th century BC, dramatically increasing its helot population.
What is Messenia?
Explain why Spartan society prioritised stability over change.
Fear of revolt / loss of control / preservation of tradition / religious influence of Lycurgus
Evaluate which is more useful for understanding Sparta: written sources OR archaeological evidence.
Make a judgement and back yourself!
The traditional image of Sparta is accurate.
Myth - Spartan Mirage
This concept explains how Spartan religion, including festivals and rituals, helped integrate conquered populations and reinforce unity across society.
What is social control / conformity / cohesion
This key feature of Sparta’s geography contributed to its conservative and inward-looking society by limiting contact with other Greek states.
What is geographical isolation / remoteness