Sparta, located in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece, began to emerge as a significant power during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. Characterized by its unique societal arrangement and resourceful military techniques, Sparta diverged from the norm of classical Greek city-states. The start of their rise can be traced back to the Messenian Wars, which resulted in territorial expansion and a unique system, serf-like helots, providing agricultural labor.
The Spartan societal framework was firmly anchored around its military prowess. Male Spartiates were trained from a young age in the agoge, the rigorous education and training regimen, to become warriors par excellence. This heavily militaristic society held an absolute priority for collective discipline and endurance.
Sparta’s distinct political system-Leadership vested in two kings, Ephors overseeing state administration, and Gerousia, the council of elders, supplementing the democratic element-added to their overall power. Drawing strength from this robust military-political system, Sparta’s power radiated across the Peloponnese, marking the zenith of their might in the mid-5th century BCE. With the onset of the Peloponnesian War, Sparta demonstrated its dominance over Athens, signifying its grand emergence as a formidable power.
#1. Where was Sparta located?
D is the answer. The text states that Sparta was located in the Peloponnese region of southern Greece.
#2. What unique system served as Spartan agricultural labor?
B is the answer. The text mentions that a unique system, serf-like helots, provided agricultural labor in Sparta.
#3. What institution trained male Spartiates from a young age in Sparta?
C is the answer. According to the text, male Spartiates were trained from a young age in the agoge, the rigorous education and training regimen, to become warriors.
#4. Who oversaw the state administration in the Spartan political system?
C is the answer. The text outlines that in Sparta’s distinct political system, state administration was overseen by Ephors.
#5. Which council supplemented the democratic element in the Spartan political system?
A is the answer. The text identifies Gerousia, the council of elders, as the component that supplemented the democratic element in Sparta’s political system.
#6. Which war signified Sparta's dominance over Athens?
C is the answer. The Peloponnesian War, as mentioned in the text, signified Sparta’s dominance over Athens and its grand emergence as a formidable power.