Travel Guide Sparti

Sparta, whose name evokes a warrior city populated by soldiers hardened by an iron discipline, is no longer what it used to be. The new city of Sparta stretches out its great arteries where the pretty and noisy bars have replaced the military camps of antiquity. In the 7th century B.C., Lycurgue promulgated a Constitution which he took from the oracle of Delphi, founding the political institutions of the city, organizing it into social castes and strengthening military power. A rare thing, the city has two kings! But afterwards, young men are enlisted in the army, the possession of material wealth is punished and one must only think of weapons. Sparta signs alliances with the other cities of the Peloponnese and thus founds the Peloponnesian League. At the time of the medieval wars, Sparta's timidity in foreign policy condemned it to an obliteration in favour of Athenian power. The Peloponnesian League then votes the war (431-404 B.C.), which leads to the victory of Sparta. Heir to the Athenian Empire, Sparta proves unable to manage it. His despotism quickly became unbearable to the other cities that allied themselves (Argos, Athens, Thebes and Corinth). Despite some victories, Sparta falls on sea and land against a coalition supported by the Persians. In 386, Sparta signs the Peace of the King: Sparta guarantees peace, facing Athens. Thereafter, the defeat of Leukerbad against the Thebes of Epaminondas confirmed the decline of Sparta. Let's go. By bus (ktel-lakonias.gr) from Athens and other cities of the Peloponnese.