Sparta was founded by descendants of the Dorian Greeks who overran most of the Peloponnesian around 1100-1000 BC after the collapse of Mycenaean Civilization.
In the classical period, Sparta itself was never a large city like Athens. Instead, its “urban core” consisted of a clump of four villages. The Spartans were warriors, not builders, and had little use for the architectural grandeur, theaters, or high culture of Athens.
Spartans were suspicious of outsiders and their ideas. They grew much of what they needed in the fertile soil around Sparta. What they couldn't grow, they often Look from their neighbors through the power of their armies.
It was primarily a military state. Its government was an oligarchy in which a few men held most of the power. The Spartan economy depended on farming and conquest. Boys and girls alike were educated to protect the city-state. Beginning at the age of 7, young boys were sent from their families to live in military barracks. They were treated harshly to make them tough so that they would be a fierce fighting force when they turned 20.
Over the years, the Spartans’ ruthless and brutal reputation in war grew, so that other nations and city-states chose not to attack Sparta, even though the Spartan army was not larger than eight thousand men. The Spartan men in the army started their military training at the age of seven and were trained to be tough.
In 404 B.C. the Spartan army was able to conquer Athens during the Peloponnesian War. After its victory over Athens, the Spartan government was able to counter many attacks that were launched by its enemies and maintained power for over 40 years. The city was annexed by Achaea league in 192 BC.
City of Sparta
