Basic Characteristics of Ancient Greek City-States

Small and independent.

The city-states of ancient Greece from the 8th to the 2nd century BC. Hundreds of city-states existed side by side at that time, and there were many city-state alliances. Among the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece, Athens was first and Sparta was second. The so-called city-state was a country, which was centered on a city and surrounded by towns and villages.

An important city-state in ancient Greece, historically known as Lakedaemon, Laconia in the southern Peloponnese.

States existed on the territory of Laconia during the Mycenaean civilization (c. first half of the 16th century BC to the 12th century BC). Around 1100 BC, the Dorians began to invade Laconia, and after a long struggle they destroyed the original state. Around the 10th century BC, the Dorians founded the city of Sparta.

In order to suppress the numerous and rebellious Black Rauch slaves, the Spartan city-state established a strict system of military training for its citizens. Citizens' children were born and passed a physical examination before they were allowed to be adopted. Boys had to leave their families at the age of seven and were incorporated into children's companies for initial organizational and disciplinary training; after the age of twelve, they were subjected to rigorous military and athletic training. After the men come of age and get married, they must usually live in the barracks, participate in dinners and drills, and cannot be discharged until they are 60 years old.