Sparta

Lacedaemon Λακεδαίμων, Σπάρτα
900s–192 BC
Lambda (acronym of Laconia) was a symbol of ancient Sparta.
Map of Ancient Sparta
Capital	Sparta
Recognised regional languages	Classical Greek
Religion	Greek polytheism
Demonym(s)	Spartan
Government	Diarchy
King
• c. 930–900 BC	Aigis, (Agiads)
• 207–192 BC	Nabis (last King Before annexation by Achaean League
Legislature	Gerousia
Establishment
• Foundation	900s BC
• Battle of Thermopylae	480 BC
• Peloponnesian War	431–404 BC
• Annexed by Achaea	192 BC
• Fully annexed by Roman Republic	146 BC
Preceded by Succeeded by Greek Dark Ages Roman Republic
Today part of	Greece

Sparta was a Greek city-state. It is the capital of the Laconia prefecture. It is in the south of Peloponnese peninsula. During antiquity, it was extremely powerful. Today, it is a small city. 16,726 people lived there according to the 2001 census.

It was also known as Lacedaemon.

The word Spartan is used to describe somebody who lives a simple life or somebody who suffered a lot without crying or showing that they suffered.^[1] It can also mean a life of simplicity, without anything fancy or costly.^[2]

Sparta is in the mountainous region of Laconia.^[3]: 225 This is in the south-east of the Peloponnese. Ancient Sparta was built on the banks of the Evrotas River.^[3]: 225 The river flows through a valley with mountains on each side. To the west is the Taygetus Range (highest point 2407 m) and to the east is the Parnon Range (highest point 1935 m). Because the ancient Spartans had such good natural defenses, they did not need city walls.^[3]: 225

1. ↑ Hofflund M.A., Ethel. History and Geography 603 The civilizations of Greece and Rome. Rock Rapids: Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.
2. ↑ Webster Dictionary http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spartan%5B2%5Dhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Spartan^{[permanent dead link]}
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} Cite error: The named reference isotg was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).