Sparta, or Lacedaemon, is a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, situated on the banks of the River Eurotas in Laconia, in southeastern Peloponnese.

It emerges as a political entity around the 10th century BCE, when the invading Dorians subjugate the local, non-Dorian population.

From c. 650 BCE, it rises to become the dominant military land-power in ancient Greece.Given its military pre-eminence, Sparta is recognized as the overall leader of the combined Greek forces during the Greco-Persian Wars.

Between 431 and 404 BCE, Sparta is the principal enemy of Athens during the Peloponnesian War, from which it emerges victorious, though at great cost.

Sparta's defeat by Thebes in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE ends Sparta's prominent role in Greece.

However, it maintains its political independence until the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BCE.Sparta is unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which completely focuses on military training and excellence.

Its inhabitants are classified as Spartiates (Spartan citizens, who enjoy full rights), Mothakes (non-Spartan free men raised as Spartans), Perioikoi (freedmen), and Helots (state-owned serfs, enslaved non-Spartan local population).

Spartiates undergo the rigorous agoge training and education regimen, and Spartan phalanxes are widely considered to be among the best in battle.

Spartan women enjoy considerably more rights and equality to men than elsewhere in the classical world.Sparta is the subject of fascination in its own day, as well as in the West following the revival of classical learning.

Sparta continues to fascinate Western Culture; an admiration of Sparta is called laconophilia.