Spartan Empire

Founding of Sparta 900 BCE

900 BCE

The Dorians in the Peloponnesus established the city of Sparta. This found evolved into one of Greece's most influential city-states. It had a dual kingship and militarized society to lay the foundation of Sparta.

Introduction of the Lycurgan Reforms

800 BCE

This consisted of twenty-eight men who would decide when an issue was brought to a popular vote with the citizens.

Formation of the Gerousia

800 BCE

The Gerousia, a council of elders and kings, acted as Sparta’s main legislative and judicial body.

The Agoge System

700 BCE

The Spartan agoge trained boys from age seven in combat, survival, and discipline, creating elite warriors.

Messenian Wars 743–668 BCE

700 BCE

Sparta fought two wars against neighboring Messenia, The war continued the rivalry between the Achaeans and the Dorians that had been initiated by the purported Return of the Heracleidae.

Establishment of the Perioikoi System

700 BCE

The perioikoi were a group of free people within Spartan society. Though the perioikoi were not true Spartan citizens, they were the only members of the society that were allowed to leave Sparta and trade with foreign lands.

Spartan Role in the Greco-Persian Wars

490 BCE

Sparta led Greek forces in key battles, like Plataea, ensuring victory against Persia.

The Battle of Thermopylae

480 BCE

the Persians won at Thermopylae and conquered central Greece, But they suffered considerable losses in the battle.

Spartan Dominance in the Peloponnesian League 550 - 366 BCE

470 BCE

The League was the oldest and longest-lasting political association in the ancient Greek world. This alliance set the stage for the Peloponnesian Wars and Spartan influence across Greece.

The Earthquake of 464 BCE

464 BCE

A massive earthquake devastated Sparta and led to a major problem, and threatened the city’s stability.

First Peloponnesian War

460 BCE

A big conflict between Sparta and Athens that ended in a truce. It highlighted the growing tensions between the militaristic Spartans and democratic Athenians. It marked the beginning of a long struggle for dominance in Greece.

Defeat at Sphacteria

425 BCE

Sparta suffered a rare defeat during the Peloponnesian War, with hundreds of Spartans captured by Athenian forces. This war exposed how vulnerable the spartan tactics were.

The Peace of Nicias

421 BCE

A temporary peace treaty that ended the first phase of the Peloponnesian War, negotiated after significant losses by both Sparta and Athens. The peace was short-lived.

The Battle of Mantinea

418 BCE

Sparta achieved a major victory over Athens and its allies, Reinforce its dominance in the Peloponnesian War.

The Sicilian Expedition

415 BCE

Athens failed military campaign in Sicily allowed Sparta to gain the upper hand in the Peloponnesian War.

The Battle of Aegospotami

405 BCE

Sparta's naval forces destroyed the Athenian army, ending the Peloponnesian War.

The Corinthian War

395 BCE

Sparta faced a Alliance of Athens, Thebes, Corinth, and Persia. Although it initially held its ground, the war weakened its influence.

The Battle of Leuctra

371 BCE

The Theban general defeated the Spartans using innovative tactics, leading to the loss of Sparta's Strong powerful position.

Liberation of Messenia

369 BCE

Thebes freed Messenia from Spartan control, ending centuries of Spartan exploitation. This crippled Spartan economy and power.

Decline and Roman Subjugation

146 BCE

After centuries of decline, Sparta became a minor state under Roman control, marking the end of its independence.