Sparta is Founded and Gains Control of the Laconian Plain

Sparta was founded in the second half of the tenth century BC. Over the course of the next two centuries or so it came to control the entire Laconian plain between Mt. Taygetos to the west and Mt. Parnon to the east. It developed one of the most peculiar governmental institutions in Greece, its unique dual kingship whereby two kings from two distinct houses, the Agiads and the Eurypontids, reigned at any given point in time. It also developed an unusual three-tiered social structure consisting of the Spartiates (the so-called “Equals” or full citizens

A History of Greece: 1300 to 30 BC, First Edition. Victor Parker.

© 2014 Victor Parker. Published 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Who alone - at least the males - had political rights); the Perioeci (literally “dwellers-about” who were free, but had no political rights); and the Helots (whom it is notoriously difficult to define; in antiquity the lexicographer Pollux, III 83, classed them as “between free and slave”). Unfortunately, much of this development takes place in a period illuminated by no historical source.

The Perioeci and the Helots presumably arose in the course of the probable conquest of the Laconian Plain, with the former group retaining its freedom while losing all political rights and with the latter group forced to accept an even lower social status. But no one can know for certain how and why these two groups were formed. The dual kingship probably arose through the settlement of Sparta by two groups who eventually were united in one political community, but, again, there is no way to tell for certain.

Finally, a few details of nomenclature need clarification in advance. The city bore two names: “Sparta” (strictly speaking the physical city only) and “Lacedaemon” (the city including its territory in a political sense). The free population (Spartiates and Perioeci) went by the name of “Lacedaemonians.” In this book, in accordance with ancient usage, the people will be called “Lacedaemonians.” “Sparta,” however, will be retained for the city. “Laconia” is the name of Sparta’s territory.