An ancient Greek city-state famous for its military discipline and warrior culture. Modern city in southern Greece.
From ancient Greek Sparta (Σπάρτη), possibly from the verb speiro meaning 'to sow' or from sparta meaning 'rope made from spartum grass.' The city was named for its location in the fertile Laconian plain.
Sparta's name might come from 'sowing' seeds, which is ironic given that Spartans were famous for warfare rather than agriculture! Their society was so militaristic that 'spartan' became our adjective for austere, disciplined living - a cultural legacy lasting over 2,000 years.
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