The rise to power of the ancient city-state, Sparta, was marked by numerous clashes and tactical schemes, contributing to its dominance in Greece during the 6th and 5th centuries BC. Initially leveraging the military innovations like the phalanx formation and the integration of Hoplite soldiers, Sparta came up victorious in multiple conflicts, adding significant territories and bolstering their Laconian status.
Key to their success was the Peloponnesian League, a strategy to build a network of allies. By leading this alliance, Sparta was guaranteed military support and simultaneous prevention of any potential rebellions.
Two significant encounters – the Persian Wars (499-449 BC) and the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), extensively accentuated Sparta’s military prowess. Spartans repulsed Persian invasions twice, notably their heroic stand represented at the Battle of Thermopylae.
Their victory in the Peloponnesian War, largely attributed to their naval strategy supported by Persian funding and a brutal plague that decimated Athen’s population, reinforced Sparta’s hegemony across Greece. However, Spartan dominance was short-lived, with their defeat in the Battle of Leuctra (371 BC) against Thebes, marking the start of Spartan decline.
#1. What contributed to Sparta's dominance in Greece during the 6th and 5th centuries BC?
A is the answer. The text states that military innovations like the phalanx formation and the integration of Hoplite soldiers initially helped Sparta to achieve victories in multiple conflicts.
#2. What was the role of the Peloponnesian League in Sparta's success?
C is the answer. The text states that the Peloponnesian League played a key role in Sparta’s success as it was a strategy to build a network of allies that guaranteed military support for Sparta.
#3. What were the two significant encounters that highlighted Sparta's military prowess?
B is the answer. The text explicitly mentions that two significant encounters that underscored Sparta’s military prowess were the Persian Wars (499-449 BC) and the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC).
#4. What factors led Sparta to victory in the Peloponnesian War?
A is the answer. The text mentions that Sparta’s victory in the Peloponnesian War was largely due to their naval strategy, Persian funding, and a brutal plague that decimated Athens’s population.
#5. What marked the beginning of Spartan decline?
C is the answer. The text mentions that Sparta’s defeat in the Battle of Leuctra (371 BC) against Thebes marked the start of Spartan decline.
#6. Who were the primary benefactors of Spartan's military innovations?
A is the answer. The text mentions that one of the military innovations, i.e., the integration of Hoplite soldiers, was leveraged by Sparta to achieve victories.