Ancient Spartan Army Lesson

In this lesson, students will examine why Sparta’s army was considered the most effective fighting force in the ancient Greek world, focusing on how the agoge training system, the hoplite phalanx, and the helot-based economy combined to produce a society dedicated to military readiness. They will also explore the structural weaknesses that ultimately undermined Spartan power, including the decline in citizen numbers and the loss of Messenian helot labour after the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading and research options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.