1. ANCIENT SPARTA 25,000 Spartan population
Army at it’s largest was only about 8,000
Considered the toughest military force in all of Greece
Sparta controlled a local population called helots that numbered around 100,000
The helots worked the farms that were owned by the Spartans.
Sparta was the great rival of the city-state of Athens

2. GOVERNMENT IN SPARTA
KINGS: The two kings came from different family lines. During times of war, one of the kings would be selected to lead the army. This two king system made for easier transitions of power if one king fell in battle.
SENATE: 28 Spartan elders plus the two kings. The Spartan elders had to be at least the age of 60 which was the military retirement age.
EPHORS: An elected council of 5 which had tremendous power in Sparta. The Ephors were elected annually and had the power to indict Spartan kings. This council was the supreme court of Sparta.
APELLA: The assembly of the people. Male citizens at least the age of 30 would meet once a month and were responsible for elections of Spartan officials.

3. WOMEN IN ANCIENT SPARTA
Spartan women could own land and dispose of that land as well. Spartan daughters inherited property just as sons did. Some historians believe that female Spartan education was just as tough as male education. At the age of 18, Spartan women would have to pass a fitness test. If successful, they would assigned a husband. Spartan women were considered almost as good in combat as the men.

4. SPARTAN SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Those at the top of Spartan society were native Spartans who could trace their ancestry back to the original inhabitants of the city.

5. SPARTAN MILITARY
Ancient Spartan warriors were known for their bravery, professionalism, and fighting skill. At the height of Spartan power they were considered the best Greek hoplite warriors.
Following the intense military training, Spartan warriors moved into military barracks to live as a full time soldier until the age of 60.
SPARTAN WEAPONS
7-9 foot long spear called a doru
A short sword called a xiphos which was used as a secondary weapon for close range combat.
Greek armies used a battle tactic called the phalanx, which was intended for close quarter combat. Spartan warriors moved as one combined unit, using their shields to protect themselves and their fellow warriors.