Sparta syllabus outline and sources Flashcards
What was the geographical context of this city.
Provide three sources.
Sparta was located in the flourishing lands of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, surrounded by the Mediterranean sea. It had the defence of mountain ranges, and made up of four villages.
- Strabo- Fertility “greater than words can express”
- Marble stones found at Mount Taygetus
- Animal sacrifices of lambs
Name three significant sites, why they’re significant, and provide sources for each
Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia- dedicated to Orthia- goddess of fertility and later became a religious education centre for children
- Small votive statues made as offerings
- Pausanias said priestess oversaw stealing of the cheese ceremony
Amyklaion- Apollo god of sun and oracles, festival of Hyakinthia held here
- Figures and figurines
- Coins with a likeness of the statue of Apollo
Menelaion- dedicated to king and queen of Sparta
- Pottery fragments
Why is Lycurgus so important, and why is there controversy surrounding him?
Provide two sources
Lycurgus was the legendary lawgiver of Sparta, who created the Great Rhetra, a Spartan Constitution. He is the reason Sparta was so notorious, however, there is not proof he was actually real.
- Michell- “the very existence of L is strongly open to doubt”
Name and elaborate on the three aspects which the kings held power in.
Provide two sources which demonstrate their power
Military- supreme commanders, one king went to battle, the other stayed
Religious- highest religious leaders in Sparta
Judicial- had power over adoptions, public roads and the marriage
- Xenophon- “responsible for the safe-keeping of all oracles”
- Statues of Spartan kings
Name and describe the three levels of the Government.
Provide two sources
Ephorate- five men, acted as overseers, could put king on trial
- Plutarch- “strengthened the aristocracy”
Gerousia- 28 over 60 yr men and 2 kings, life membership, presented bills
- Aristotle- “known to have taken bribes”
Ekklesia- 30 male true citizens voted on bills
They voted by acclamation
Name the four hierarchal aspects of social structure and provide a source for each
Spartiates, Perioikoi, Helots, Inferiors
Spartiates were men who completed the Agoge, were 30 and hence obtained full citizenship. AKA Hoplites (soldiers)
- Laconian cup of two soldiers carrying a fallen soldier
Perioikoi were craftsmen, manufacturers and farmers
- Figurines of perioikoi workers
Helots were slaves. Males worked on Kleros, females were wet nurses and housekeepers
- Cartledge, “fear helot revolt”
Inferiors were forbidden from Sparta, for a disgrace. Four categories, and they were “trembellers”- Herdoduts
Name three sources which summarise the role of the army
- Thucydides, “submitted to the most laborious training”
- Corinthian Vase of Hoplites fighting
- Tyrtaeus, “It is a beautiful thing when a good man dies fighting”
What was the Agoge? Provide a quote
The Agoge was military education system designed or Spartan boys and young men
Plutarch- “well disciplined and steadfast in hardship and victorious in battle”
What was the role of women? Provide four sources for this
Women held a freedom astonishing for ancient times. They were allowed to own businesses, do sport, and their main function of bearing healthy children, fit for becoming Spartiates was their main concern.
- Spartan female athlete bronze statuette
- Plutarch, “encouraged and trained to speak in public”
- Cult of Artemis Orthia- associated growth and fertility (religion)
- Cartledge, “entitled to own & manage property”
Name the three types of technology, providing three sources
Pottery, weapons, armour
- Kylix cups
- Recovered helmet
- Recovered hoplon
What did Spartan’s use to fuel their economy? Provide a source
Iron bars
- Plutarch- “who would rob another of such?”
What did the trade scene look like? Provide a source
The trade scene was flourishing, particularly revolving around the craftsmanship of the Perioikoi, and the resources of the Mediterranean sea. Moreover, the access to sea, allowed for open ports.
- Discovered ship contained Laconian pottery and bronze work, including perfume, mugs and bowls
Name the three gods/ goddesses which are central tp Sparta, their purpose, and provide a source for each
Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia- goddess of hunting, nature, fertility and childbirth
- Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, votive statues made from lead recovered
Poseidon- god of earth and sea
- Shrine of Poseidon
Apollo- god of protection
- Pausanias tells us that bronze statue of Apollo stood at temple of Apollo at Amyclae
Name the two subjects of myths and legends, provide some background, and two sources for each.
Lycurgus- created the Great Rhetra, a Spartan constitution, but his existence is strongly questioned
- J.M. Michell- “the very existence of L is strongly open to doubt”
- Plutarch- “after his death a temple was built with annual sacrifices”
Dioscuri- mythical town princesses who were athletes
- White marble relief of the Dioscuri
- Votive offerings
Name one of three religious festivals, details, and provide two sources.
Hyakinthia was dedicated to the god Apollo, established from the story of Apollo accidentally killed Hyakinthos with a discus, and his body was buried at Amyklaeon. Apollo bought him back as a flower. The festival was about mourning, with dances, feasts and rights. It was a thanksgiving for life.
- Statue of Apollo
- Hooker asserted the festival was a ritual for the dead and a thanksgiving of life
