1.a. The Structure of Spartan Society + The Agoge - Quiz

What early in its history allowed Sparta to become more powerful than other Greek city-states?

• Larger population

• Better trade routes

• Larger territory of about 3200 miles

• Stronger alliances

What type of military system did ancient Greek city-states have?

• Professional standing armies

• Volunteer militias

• Temporary mobilisation during campaigns

• Mercenary forces

Who is the primary source for information on Spartan society?

• Homer

• Plutarch

• Herodotus

• Thucydides

Why should we be cautious about Plutarch's account of Sparta?

• He was biased against Sparta

• He never visited Sparta

• He lived centuries after the events he described and presented an idealised version of Sparta

• He only wrote about military aspects

What were the enslaved agricultural labourers in Sparta known as?

• Perioeci

• Helots

• Krypteia

• Agoge

How were Spartan allotments of land worked?

• By Spartan citizens

• By enslaved helots

• By hired farmers

• By neighbouring city-states

What made the helots a danger to Spartan society?

• They were very skilled fighters

• They greatly outnumbered Spartans

• They had foreign allies

• They were well-armed

How did the helots contribute to the strength of the Spartan army?

• They worked the *kleros* in peace, giving Spartan citizens more time to train

• They worked the *kleros* in war, allowing Spartan citizens more time on campaign

• They carried equipment, cooked, and even fought as light-armoured troops

• All of the above

What happened during the helot revolt in the 460s?

• Helots were given their freedom

• The revolt was immediately crushed

• It took years to suppress the rebellion

• The helots gained control of Sparta

Who were the perioeci in Spartan society?

• Spartan citizens

• Foreign allies

• Farmers from other Greek cities

• Free residents in conquered territories