Archaeological Site of Sparta

Sparta, Greece

The ruins of ancient Sparta lie north of the modern city. It was a prominent city-state in Laconia in ancient Greece. Around 650 BC, it rose to become the dominant military land-power in ancient Greece.

History

Given its military pre-eminence, Sparta was recognized as the leading force of the unified Greek military during the Greco-Persian Wars, in rivalry with the rising naval power of Athens. Sparta was the principal enemy of Athens during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), from which it emerged victorious after the Battle of Aegospotami. The decisive Battle of Leuctra against Thebes in 371 BC ended the Spartan hegemony, although the city-state maintained its political independence until its forced integration into the Achaean League in 192 BC. The city nevertheless recovered much autonomy after the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BC and prospered during the Roman Empire, as its antiquarian customs attracted many Roman tourists. However, Sparta was sacked in 396 AD by the Visigothic king Alaric, and underwent a long period of decline, especially in the Middle Ages, when many of its citizens moved to Mystras.

Archaeological site

Entering by the South Gate of the Acropolis, known as Lakedaemonia, there is the Rotunda, the Theatre and the Temple of Athena Chalkioikos to the West. Exiting the Acropolis by the North Gate there are the remains of the earliest ancient walls, the Heroon and the Altar of Lycourgos, whereas to the East there is the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. To the North is the Monastic Church of Osios Nikonas (10th century).

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Marker
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors

Address

Alkmanos 1, Sparta, Greece
See all sites in Sparta

Details

Founded: 7t
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

Rating

4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Anna (15 months ago)
The place is amazing - you can feel the history and enjoy views! I don't recommend you to visit this place so I can be there alone :)
G Mac (2 years ago)
Historically very interesting but there remains little but foundations. The theatre is undergoing further research and is impressive.
giro 71 (2 years ago)
A good visit of what was discovered, it takes one hours or more. There is a good description on the site panels. And it's free.
Helena M (2 years ago)
Very little restored, poor description boards, most of the boards in the hot sun. I reckon it's actually a waste of time to visit this place. A history of Sparta is so interesting, but was not presented at all. What a pitty. I do not reccomend visiting this place. The entance was free. There is no toilet inside. Bring lots of water as it is very hot, and very lttle shade near boards.
TheEvdriver (3 years ago)
Nice and free archeological site. Liked it. Only Problem was the signs. We drove up to the park by car which was a bad idea. But we did not know better because there were no parking signs. Recommended, go there.
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