Spartan Weaknesses and Strengths Flashcards
(20 cards)
What was a significant strength of the Spartans in terms of their military?
Superiority of troops, exemplified by the Spartan Mirage
Referenced in the Myth of Thermopylae and the inscription on the burial mound by Herodotus
What does the inscription on the burial mound in Herodotus’ Histories signify?
Four thousand here from Pelops’ land/ Against three million once did start
This highlights the Spartans’ bravery against overwhelming odds.
How did Thucydides describe Spartan behavior towards fleeing enemies?
The Spartans don’t chase after their fleeing enemies
This indicates a strategic approach to warfare.
What was the general perception of Spartans regarding surrender? [Thuc]
“The general impression had been that Spartans would never surrender”
Spartan Mirage
What was the outcome of the Battle of Mantinea in 418? [Thuc]
Overwhelming Spartan victory, reasserting military superiority
This battle involved the Argive army and Athenian hoplites. Spartans commanded by Agis II
What did Xenophon say about the Lakedaimonians?
“Lakedaimonians alone are true professionals in the overall conduct of war”
This emphasizes their expertise in military strategy.
What did Thucydides note about Sparta’s declaration regarding Hellas?
Sparta proclaimed that their aim was the liberation of Hellas
This was part of their diplomatic strategy.
What was the contradiction in Sparta’s reputation for liberating tyrants?
They would impose oligarchies after getting rid of tyrants
This includes their actions in Athens.
What did Thucydides report about the Athenians’ fear regarding their allies?
The Athenians feared that their allies would revolt
This was influenced by Brasidas’ declarations.
What was the significance of the treaties Sparta made with Persia? [Thuc]
They handed over many territories to Persia, contradicting their liberation claims
This included allies like Boeotia and the Ionian city states.
What was a critical financial aspect of Sparta? [Thuc]
Persian money was needed as “we have no public funds”
This financial aid was crucial for their military operations.
How did Cyrus support Spartan military efforts? [Plut]
He paid sailors 4 obols instead of 3, making the “ships of his enemy empty”
This is noted in Plutarch’s Life of Lysander.
What did Pheidippides’ experience during Marathon indicate about Spartan priorities?
Spartans were slow to respond, possibly due to a Helot threat
This suggests their reluctance to leave Peloponnese.
What did Thucydides say about the Spartans’ decision-making regarding peace?
The Peace of Nicias was made to get captured prisoners back
This treaty reflected Sparta’s priorities over the alliance.
The Spartan prisoners were captured at Sphacteria
What did Thucydides state about Spartan military action during invasions?
Invasions into Declea were brief due to the Helot threat
This highlights the logistical challenges they faced.
What did Thucydides report about the Spartans’ fear of revolts?
They were glad to have an excuse for sending helots out of the country
This was due to fears of a revolution.
What was a noted weakness of Spartan leadership?
Corruptibility of leaders like Pleistoanax and Pausanias
This affected their decision-making and reputation.
Fill in the blank: The Spartans were slow to go to war and often sought _______.
peace
This was partly due to their oliganthropia.
What did Thucydides say about Spartan officers overseas?
They feared that when their officers went overseas they would become corrupted
This reflects concerns about integrity in leadership. This fear can be seen in Pausinaus and Gallipus
