Sparta Historical Reforms and Geography Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant natural feature that provided a defense for Sparta?

The Acropolis

The Eurotas River

The Taygetus mountain range (correct)

The Menelaion

Which crops were notably cultivated in the region around Sparta?

Potatoes and tomatoes

Barley, olives, and grapes (correct)

Rice and corn

Wheat and soybeans

Which institution was established by the Great Rhetra?

The Boule

The Gerousia (correct)

The Ekklesia

The Agora

What kind of currency did Lycurgus replace in Sparta's economy?

Precious metals like gold and silver Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'eunomia' refer to in the context of Sparta's governance?

The good order of society Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure is often associated with establishing the reforms in Sparta?

Lycurgus Signup and view all the answers

What major reform related to land was attributed to Lycurgus?

Redistribution of land Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the agricultural potential of Messenia according to Strabo?

It had remarkable fertility. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of the Hyakinthia festival?

Rituals involving sausages Signup and view all the answers

Which Spartan festival celebrated the return of the Herakleidai?

Karneia Signup and view all the answers

What was a ritual practice during the Artemis Orthia festival?

Theft of cheeses Signup and view all the answers

What does the Gymnopaedia festival emphasize in Spartan culture?

Commemoration of fallen soldiers Signup and view all the answers

Which food was particularly notable in Spartan cuisine?

Black broth Signup and view all the answers

How were funerary ceremonies for kings different from ordinary Spartans?

Kings had elaborate ceremonies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the attire of Spartiate men typically characterized by?

Simple and austere clothing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of the religious sites in Spartan society?

They served specific devotional purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Spartan art was represented by the Arkesilas cup?

Painted vessels with geometric designs Signup and view all the answers

Which Spartan playwright documented military prowess and sometimes portrayed Spartan kings negatively?

Herodotus Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Helots in Spartan society?

They were subjugated agricultural laborers supporting the Spartan economy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Spartan women participate in society compared to women in other Greek city-states?

They received education at home and participated in public exercise. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of kleroi in Spartan society?

To provide each Spartan citizen with enough land to support their family. Signup and view all the answers

What significant economic change occurred under Lycurgus in Sparta?

Iron bars were introduced as a form of currency to restrict trade. Signup and view all the answers

What does Xenophon’s description of Spartan military equipment highlight?

The simplicity and practicality of Spartan military gear. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the presence of the Helots have on Spartan society?

It created constant tension and led to regular suppression efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary responsibility of the Perioikoi in Spartan society?

To engage in various crafts and trades, supporting the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What were the syssitia in Spartan society?

Mess halls where Spartan citizens shared meals. Signup and view all the answers

What was a potential consequence of Spartans’ disdain for commerce?

Limited engagement in trade despite reliance on the Perioikoi. Signup and view all the answers

Why was education different for Spartans compared to other Greek city-states?

Spartan education prioritized military training and physical fitness. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the ephors in Spartan government?

Control the King and Gerousia Signup and view all the answers

Which social group in Sparta was responsible for agriculture and treated as state-owned serfs?

Helots Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the judicial functions of the kings by the 5th century BC?

Handle adoption matters Signup and view all the answers

How many ephors were elected annually in the Spartan government?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Gerousia in Spartan politics?

Prepare and debate bills for the assembly Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Spartan males typically become full citizens (Spartiates)?

30 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a privilege enjoyed by the Spartan kings?

Control over trade regulations Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Ekklesia in Sparta?

Elect magistrates and vote on important issues Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Agoge training system in Sparta?

Rigorous military training starting from age 7 Signup and view all the answers

Which two tribes formed the coalition that led to the establishment of dual kingship in Sparta?

Agiad and Eurypontid Signup and view all the answers

What was the expected behavior of Helots towards their masters?

Serve them without compensation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the two kings in battle?

One king led while the other remained in Sparta Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the term 'hypomeiones' in Spartan society?

Individuals viewed as inferior or cowards Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geographical Setting of Sparta

Located 200 meters above sea level in a valley near the Eurotas River.
Valley dimensions: 12 km wide, 22 km long.
Natural defenses: Taygetus Mountains (west), Parnon Mountains (east), and Arcadian Mountains (north).
Strabo described Messenia as exceptionally fertile but noted Laconia's earthquake risk.

Natural Resources of Sparta

Minerals: Limestone, marble (quarried), iron (mines).
Flora: Wood from forests, barley, olives, and grapes.
Fauna: Sheep, goats (wool, meat, dairy), pigs (food, hides), horses (breeding), boars (hunting), and bees (honey).

Significant Sites of Sparta

Sanctuary of Apollo
Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia
The Menelaion
Acropolis
Xenophon described Sparta's abundant, simple food supplies for citizens. Plutarch highlighted Spartan youths as their city's fortifications.

The Great Rhetra

Sparta's foundational constitution, dated to the 7th century BCE.
Established the basis of Spartan government and society.
Attributed to Lycurgus, supposedly received from the Delphic Oracle.
Defined roles of kings, elders, and citizen assembly

Lycurgus

Called the "legendary lawgiver of Sparta."
Credited with establishing Sparta's "good order" (eunomia).
Sources: Plutarch, Herodotus, and Aristotle (later).
Historians question existence; "Great Rhetra" is the essence of his reforms

Key Reforms Attributed to Lycurgus

Established Gerousia (council of 28 elders plus 2 kings).
Redistributed land.
Replaced gold/silver with iron currency.
Established the Spartan education system (Agoge).
Implemented communal mess halls (syssitia).
Reforms likely occurred in the 7th century BCE

Roles and Privileges of the Two Kings

Dual kingship from a coalition of two tribes (Agiad and Eurypontid).
Equal power but roles were restricted over time.
Religious roles: Priests of patron gods (Zeus Lacedaemonios and Zeus Uranios), consultants to Delphi Oracle.
Military roles: Led troops in battle (one king), or remained in Sparta (other), military commander-in-chief, right to declare war.
Judicial roles: Limited to adoption of children, public highways by 5th century BC.
Social roles: Best seats at festivals, first seats and double portions at banquets, percentage of spoils, 10 days of mourning
Specific quote example: THUCYDIDES → "In the first year of his reign, while he was making one of the official sacrifices on behalf of the state"

Government Structure

Ephorate

Body of five magistrates elected annually, introduced around 7th century BCE.
Controlled kings and Gerousia.
Chief administrators and executives.
Advised kings, called meetings, received ambassadors, oversaw Agoge, had arrest power.
Examples of perspectives: Xenophon described the ephors' power to punish offenders at will, while Aristotle viewed them as representing the entire populace.

Gerousia

Council of elders (28 members plus two kings).
Prepared/dealt with bills for assembly, advised kings, proposed laws to the assembly, reviewed/vetoed assembly decisions, and delivered death/exile sentences.
Members: Male, at least 60 years old, elected by the assembly, lifetime tenure.
Xenophon praises their testing of noble qualities, and Plutarch describes them as the best and most deserving.

Ekklesia

Spartan assembly for all male citizens over 30.
Elected officials, passed laws, made peace/war decisions, handled kingship issues.
Voting: Acclamation (yes/no).
Historical note example: Thucydides described the Ekklesia's decision to wage war against Athens.

Spartiates (Homoi)

Full Spartan citizens (from age 30).
Subordination to the state, self-discipline, primary military role only (no economic role other than the military).
Members of the Agoge

Perioeci

Craftsmen/manufacturers, manufacturers and traders.
Responsible for Spartan economy, allied with Spartans.
Farmers, fishermen, shipbuilders; could serve in Spartan army. (Quote from Herodotus: "they could be conscripted")

Helots

State-owned serfs, primarily agricultural laborers.
Served masters, were a serious threat to Sparta's internal security.
- Examples of Perspectives: De.Ste Criox described Spartan society as a class war between Spartiates and Helots, and Thucydides noted that Helots outnumbered Spartans.
Poor treatment led to revolts.(Quote from Thucydides: "Spartan policy is always mainly governed by the necessity of taking precaution against the helots")

"Inferiors"

Those rejected from the traditional social class structure.
Four groups: Patheniai (unmarried Spartans), Mothakes (adopted boys), Neodamodeis (freed Helots), Hypomeiones/Tresantes/Tremblers (cowards).

Spartan Army: Training (Agoge) and Composition

All Spartan males received military training; other occupations were forbidden.
Composed of approximately 3,400 hoplites.
Agoge: A rigorous training system (age 7-20) emphasizing discipline, survival, bravery, social conformity and harsh upbringing. Quote Example: Xenophon noted a great difference between Spartan and other educational systems
Key Agoge Moments: Inspection of newborns, state custody at age 7, intensified training at 12, and attaining soldier status at 20.

Role and Status of Women

Education: At home, possibly reading, public physical exercise.
Land ownership: Legally owned and managed estates. Inherited kleroi
Debate about impact on Spartan society
Scholarly Perspective: Some scholars link land inheritance to a decline if Spartan society.

Land Ownership (Kleroi) and Agriculture

Kleroi: Parcels of land allocated to Spartan citizens.
Supported Spartan families and the communal mess halls (syssitia).
Helots: Essential agricultural laborers who provided a portion of their produce to Spartan masters.
Plutarch: described spartan agrarian practices. This labor system allowed Spartiates to focus on military training
Thucydides: noted Helots outnumbered Spartans, highlighting the fragility of the system

###Technology

Weapons

Iron weapons (manufactured by Perioikoi).

Armour

Spartan hoplon shield and bronze cuirass (manufactured by Perioikoi).

Pottery and other

Pottery for domestic use. Metalwork: bronze
Herodotus: mentioned a large bronze bowl from Lydian king.

Economic Exchange

Use of Iron Bars

Replaced gold/silver coinage; no value outside Sparta (limiting trade and wealth).
Plutarch highlighted the impact on Spartan self-sufficiency.

Trade

Limited trade, with Perioikoi facilitating exchanges at coastal ports.
Import of resources like metals and grain, export in agricultural products.

Religion, Death, and Burial

Hyakinthia

Celebrated Hyakinthus' death and honored Apollo.
Featured singing, processions, dancing, chariot races, rituals.
Reflected Spartan values

Karneia

Honored Apollo Karneios and the Herakleidai.
Featured athletic/musical contests, processions, rituals.
Celebrated heroic deeds and military training.

Gymnopaedia

Honored fallen at Thyrea.
Featured five-day festival of gymnastics/dancing (by boys, men, and elders).
Emphasized Spartan physical excellence.

Artemis Orthia

Honored Artemis Orthia, with initiation rite involving cheese theft and whippings.
Demonstrated physical endurance and Spartan values.

Religious Sites

Located in Sparta and outskirts; associated with worship and devotion.

Funerary Rites

Simple pit graves (ordinary Spartans), elaborate ceremonies (kings), 11-day mourning period, sacrifices on day 12.
Reflected Spartan pragmatism.

Culture and Every Day Life

Art and Culture

Sculpture/Metalwork (stone, bronze).

Writing/Literature

Alkman and Tyrtaeus, lyrical poems and war songs respectively.
Suggest culturally rich society

Greek Writers' Views of Sparta

Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, and Plutarch. Provided views on Spartan military prowess, kings, and values.

Leisure Activities

Athletics, hunting, equestrian sports, banquets.

Clothing/Appearance

Spartan clothing: Simple, austere (red military cloaks), beards allowed, moustaches banned).
Women's clothing: Doric peplos/chiton. Helot clothing: humiliation.

Food

"Black broth" (pork, vinegar, blood).

Marriage Customs

Men married in 20s, women in teens.
Dowries allowed. Abduction of bride was a ritual.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the significant natural features, agricultural practices, and key historical reforms of Sparta. This quiz covers topics such as the influential figure of Lycurgus and the governance system of Spartan society. Explore the unique aspects that shaped one of ancient Greece's most formidable city-states.