15,697
edits
Changes
no edit summary
__NOTOC__
[[File: Spartan helmet 2 British Museum.jpg |270px|thumb|left| Spartan helmet]]
Sparta was an ancient Greek city-state whose unique social and political system has fascinated people down the ages. It was a military society, whose warriors are regarded as some of the greatest soldiers of the ancient world. The word Spartan has become synonymous with military prowess and austerity. The battles of Sparta are well-known and have become legendary.
However, one aspect of its history may surprise many is the role of women in that society. While scholars view the city-state as a militaristic and conservative society, it was also a quite complex one. Women generally had greater freedom than elsewhere in the Greek world. Spartan women will be shown to have played a significant role in society, the economy, culture, and even the state’s politics.