Survey
What is the name for the entire section of land connected to mainland Greece by an isthmus
Peloponnese
What was the name of the council of elders in Sparta that advised the kings and proposed laws to the assembly?
Gerousia
What were the kleroi
land allotments assigned to spartiates
Which Spartan deity was associated with the sanctuary where Spartan youths underwent initiation rituals, often involving tests of endurance and whipping?
Artemis Orthia
Which ancient Greek writer provided a detailed account of Spartan customs and military practices, often praising their discipline and way of life?
Xenophon
Name the mountain ranges to the east and west
Parnon and Taygetus
Who were the two hereditary kings (the family name) in Spartan society, responsible for religious duties and military leadership?
The Agiad and Eurypontid kings
What is the greek name for a spartan shield and what was it made from?
hoplon, made of wood and bronze
Which Spartan festival honored Apollo and involved mourning for a youth struck down in his prime, followed by a celebration of life and renewal?
Hyakintha
What was the unique aspect of Spartan marriage customs compared to other Greek city-states, particularly regarding the role of the bride?
included a ritual in which the bride had her head shaved and dressed in male clothing, symbolizing the transition into adulthood and her new role in society.
Which historian said this and what is their context as a writer? Suppose, for example, that the city of Sparta were to become deserted and that only the temples and foundations of buildings remained, I think that future generations would, as time passed, find it very difficult to believe that the place had really been as powerful as it was represented to be
Thucydides, Athenian, fought in the war between Sparta and Athens - Pro Athenian
Describe the process by which Spartan boys were integrated into society and the role this process played in maintaining the military-oriented social structure.
Spartan boys entered the Agoge at age 7, undergoing rigorous military training, discipline, and education designed to create loyal and skilled warriors. This process reinforced the militaristic values and social cohesion of Spartan society
What did the periokoi contribute to the spartan economy?
trade, manufacturing weapons and armor, pottery production, and mining.
What were the religious duties of the Spartan kings
Spartan kings served as high priests of Zeus Lacedaemon and Zeus Uranios, leading major religious rituals and sacrifices.
Who was Alcman, and what aspect of Spartan culture is most commonly reflected in his poetry?
Alcman was a Spartan poet known for his lyric poetry, which often focused on themes of nature, festivals, and the beauty of young women, providing insights into Spartan religious and social customs.
What did excavations uncover at the Temple of Apollo at Amyklai?
a large altar and votive offerings, indicating it was a place of significant religious activity dedicated to Apollo.
How did the social hierarchy in Sparta contribute to its political stability, particularly the relationship between the Spartiates, Perioikoi, and Helots?
The strict social hierarchy ensured that the Spartiates maintained military dominance while the Perioikoi supported the economy through trade and craftsmanship. The subjugation of the Helots provided agricultural labor, freeing the Spartiates to focus on military training, thereby reinforcing political stability and control.
What was the significance of the use of iron bars (pelanors) in Spartan economic exchange, and what impact did this have on trade and wealth accumulation?
Iron bars were used as currency in Sparta to discourage the accumulation of wealth and trade with other states, reflecting Spartan values of austerity and equality among citizens. This system limited economic exchange and maintained the focus on military discipline rather than commercial activity.
How did Spartan funerary customs for kings differ from those for ordinary citizens
Spartan kings received elaborate funerals, including a public procession, mourning by citizens, and burial within the city, signifying their importance to the state. In contrast, ordinary citizens were buried without markers or grand ceremonies.
What does the presence of carved ivory figurines found at the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia suggest about Spartan artistic practices and religious life?
The carved ivory figurines suggest that despite their reputation for austerity, Spartans had skilled artisans and valued art forms that reflected religious devotion. These artifacts indicate a cultural appreciation for intricate craftsmanship and the importance of religious offerings in Spartan society.
Name the 5 villages.
Limnai
Pitana
Kynosoura
Mesoa
Amyklai
Explain the role of women in spartan society in comaprison to other greek city states
They could own and inherit land, manage estates, and participate in physical training, which was thought to produce stronger offspring. These roles contributed to the stability of Spartan society by allowing women to manage economic affairs while men were focused on military duties. Spartan women were still excluded from political participation and were expected to prioritize their role as mothers of warriors, reinforcing the militaristic focus of the state.
escribe the relationship between Spartan land ownership and the social hierarchy within Sparta.
Land ownership was closely tied to social status in Sparta. Only Spartiates received kleroi, which were farmed by helots. The prosperity of the Spartan warrior class depended on the labor of the helots, reinforcing the hierarchical structure that prioritized the military elite
Describe the purpose of the Gymnopaedia festival and how it reinforced Spartan societal values.
featuring dances, athletic competitions, and military exercises performed by young Spartans. It reinforced values of physical fitness, discipline, and martial prowess, reflecting the Spartan emphasis on military readiness and the communal upbringing of youth.
What was the Menelaion, and what is its significance in understanding Spartan religion and architecture?
a shrine dedicated to King Menelaus and Helen. Representation of hero worship in Spartan religion and the blend of Mycenaean influences in Spartan architecture.