Topic Three (1.3): Spartan Men

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This topic deals with the lives of men, slaves and non-citizens in Sparta. To begin with, take another look at the map of Greece showing the major cities of ancient Greece. Note where Athens and Sparta are on the map and the narrow stretch of land (the isthmus) which joins the Peloponnese to central and northern Greece. Do not underestimate the psychological importance of this ‘border’.

EXPLORE – Map of Greece Showing Locations of Major Cities Download EXPLORE – Map of Greece Showing Locations of Major Cities

Watch Icon.png Watch

  • Before you go further, watch this film by Bettany Hughes which introduces the Spartans:

WATCH – Why Were Spartans So Disciplined? (YouTube) Links to an external site.

  • You have already met the Athenian democratic system in a generalised way in Topic 1.1 and the plays of Aristophanes. Here you can get a general overview of the Spartans from Professor Paul Cartledge:

WATCH – Ancient Sparta: The Spartan Mirage (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

  • You should also watch the lectures on Spartan Education, the agoge:

WATCH – Ancient Sparta: Spartan Education (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

  • In this lecture, you will learn more about Spartan warriorhood:

WATCH – Ancient Sparta: Spartan Warriorhood (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

  • This lecture covers Perioeci and Helots:

WATCH – Ancient Sparta: Perioeci and Helots (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

Skills Icon.png Task

  • After you have listened to Professor Cartledge, make notes on the following different classes of Spartan society:
    • Spartiates;
    • Perioeci;
    • Helots;
    • Hypomeiones (inferiors);
    • Mothakes (sons of Spartiate fathers and helot mothers).
  • What were the rights and responsibilities of each of these classes? Make notes so that you could explain this if necessary.

Glossary Icon.png Terminology

Make sure you understand any new terminology covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.