Role of the Spartan Army

- Spartan evolution into a militaristic state

In the 8th Century, Sparta (at this time much similar to other Greek States)
invaded Messenia, forcing the civilian population to become land serfs (Helots)
During 650BC, the Messenians (with the help of other Peloponnese States)
revolted against Sparta and nearly destroyed the state itself
The traditional view is that around this time, Sparta evolved (using the legend
of Lycurgus) in a militaristic state due to their fear of another Messenian revolt
Fitzhardinge agrees with this however, argues that the immediate response to
the Second Messenian Wars wasnt a barrick state but a swinging state
Fitzhardinge: The immediate sequel to the (second)
Messenian war was not austerity but a new wave of luxury and artistic
achievement, seen in the poems of Alcman and in the exuberance of
Laconian II artefacts and in ivory and bronze.
Under Lycurgus (most likely a mythical figure used to describe the evolution
of Sparta into a barrick state), Sparta introduced an armed citizenry to defend against
any internal or external threats
Another key aspect the Spartan Army implemented was patriotism and loyalty
to the State, as citizens were alienated from the rest of the Greek city-states and only
saw Sparta as their true home
- Fear of Helot Revolt that threatened Spartas survival
After Helot Revolt in early 7th Century, Spartan society evolved into a
militaristic state to primarily to control and maintain the Messenian helots.
Most institutions among the Spartans have always been
established with regard to security against the helots. - Thucydides
With the Helot population vastly outnumbering the Spartiates (20 to 1
according to Bradley), the Lycurgus reforms were vital in maintaining the Messenians
Krypteia was an institution similar to a secret police, full of Young Spartan
soldiers who would control and kill the Helot Population
Helots played key role in Spartan society by producing the
food and completing many of the daily life activities; however, Sparta was
careful to make sure that the Helots did not become too powerful for Sparta to
maintain
When Ephors came into office, they would immediately
declare war on the Helots (Plutarch), empowering the Krypteia reduce the
population as well as spread fear and obedience
The Krypteia was important to Spartan education, with
Spartans under 30 expected to contribute 2 years of their life
Young Spartans were sent into the country &
empowered to kill every helot whom they had reason to regard with
suspicion (Bury & Meiggs)
Frequently too, they made their way through
the fields, killing the helots who stood out for their physical strength
(Plutarch)
These measures were employed to spread fear through the
Helots and make them obedient to Spartan Law.

Maintenance of Spartan Hegemony (The Peloponnesian League and Allies)

 Understanding that they had foreign enemies as well, Sparta made

themselves self-sufficient and not reliant on other Greek city-states (with much the
food cultivated by their Helot population and restraining the population from
participating in arts)
Reflected in their change to the Iron currency rather than the
staple gold and silver coins used by other Greek city-states
Sparta inherited a natural barrier, making it extremely difficult for enemies to
invade.
Due to their military dominance, Sparta became the hegemon (leader) of the
Peloponnese region through creating the Peloponnesian League, an organisation
that allowed Sparta to create bilaterally alliances with other Peloponnesian city-states
Historiography: Some historians have argued that the league
was a formal organisation centered around a constitution while others say it to
an informal group tied by mutual interests and similar heritage (Bolmarcich,
2005)
The league had multiple functions for Sparta including assurance that no town
in the Peloponnese area would come to the aid of the Messenian Helots and
maintain their dominance over the powerful Peloponnese city state, Argos (who was
the only other Peloponnesian city-state to not be a part of the league.)
Unlike Athens in the Delian League who primarily focused on receiving
tributes from their subordinates, Sparta only asked for tributes during wartime and
soldiers from each town; saw themselves above the imperialistic Athens
Despite this, Sparta was able to exercise their will on some states ( giving up
much of their state autonomy for Spartan protection) and decisions made by the
Congress of Allies (giving all states one vote each) was binding to all but Sparta
Historiography: Bolmarcich argues that the exercise of Spartan
will over members depended on the status of the city-states (Seen in the
difference of handling of Corinth and Tegea)
- Battle Tactics (Teaching of Spartan Youth to become members of Spartan
Army)
Agoge and Syssition would create comradeship and belonging for Spartans;
bred patriotism and loyalty to Spartan state
Barrick Sparta estranged from other Greek city-states and gave them unique
identity
Phalanx = battle formation of heavily armed infantry in massed lines, often 812 Hoplites deep (Spartans considered master of the Phalanx)
Defensive war tactic close together, the shields created
impenetrable wall, combined with thrusting spears, was ineffective in
besieging towns
Plutarch describes the Phalanx as a Ferocious beast
Herodotus in The Histories: Fighting singly there are as good
as any but fighting together they are the best soldiers in the world
Hoplites = Heavily armed Spartan infantry
Carried a spear about 2 metres in length and a sword about a
metre long. Spear used for thrusting not throwing
Bronze shield (Hoplon), 1 metre wide and weighed 7-8 kg, held
in the left hand, protected left side of the body
Historical Example: Thermopylae 480 BC: Ability to fool enemy
into feigning retreat worked well and Spartans were quick to regroup and
inflict heavy losses on Persian enemy