Sparta
A league between the cities of Peloponnese had existed since 550 BC, under the military domination of Sparta and the monetary domination of Corinth.
Land System
Sparta shared the land that they conquered evenly, among the warriors that is, members of the Spartan aristocracy got more, of course. This land belonged to the family as a whole, not just the warrior himself.
The Spartans had just captured Helot, in Laconia. This land was divided evenly among the warriors, just as any another would be. But social pyramids other than the kings and then the aristocracy and then the peasants began to form.
As the great poet Tyrtę said: "Some were rich and others were very poor."
In coastal cities the poorer people, which were mostly the conquered Helots of Laconia, could turn to piracy or were sent over-seas. But Sparta took a different course. They conquered Messenia. These poor Spartans were given the vast plains of Messenia and joined the now peasants of that land.
To prevent an uprising of the Helots, the Spartans took many precautions. This is one of the reasons for Sparta's differences.
Military
The Spartans wanted all of their citizens to be happy until the end of time, but, they decided that keeping a warlike presence came before all. For this, Sparta made sure that a fixed number of well trained soldiers, about 5000, were given an ample existence.
Education
Family life ended at age 7 for boys. At that age they were sent off for harsh military training and a ruthless barracks life. This training taught them to be unquestionably obedient, to endure great pain without complaining and most of all, to never admit defeat.
Because of this pledge to never admit defeat, Spartan athletes had to be removed from the Olympics, because, even after they had been severely beaten, they kept fighting.
At the age of 20, men were placed in high ranks in the military, even though they still had to endure 10 more years of military training.
At age 30, men were considered real men; they were aloud to vote, marry, have a home, served by Helot slaves, and hold office. Military service still continued for many years.
Spartan girls also received a formal education. Although it is not sure whether the girls received the same, rigorous training, it is believed that some there was an attempt to maintain a similarity between the sexes.
The Perioikoi
The Perioikoi (meaning "wanders about") had much the same military upbringing as the Spartans. They had their own slaves and estate. The main differences between the Spartans and the Perioikoi were that the Perioikoi could not vote, and they had no citizen's rights. They were always ready to fight faithfully for the Spartans in times of need.
The Spartan Monarchy
The Spartan government was unusual in the sense that it had two kings of equal power. This configuration prevented much corruption, since one of the kings could counter the other's wrong doings.
The council of elders, a group of elder citizens who advised the kings, much like our house of commons, consisted of 28 man over the age of 60 who were part of the Spartan aristocracy. This body presented new laws for approval by the Assembly.
The Assembly was a large group of people who could not create new legislation or argue about current legislation. Its function was to vote on new, or amended laws, presented to then by the council of elders.
As a sort of safety net for the citizens, a group of 5 men was created, called the Euphorate. These men were voted in each year by members of the Assembly. The Euphorate soon took a leading role in managing Spartan affairs.
The Spartan government was rigidly conservative to prevent a revolt of the Helots, which did happen every so often. At birth, babies, if they were not healthy, were killed. As a boy they were whipped frequently and forcefully. As a man they were placed in the front ranks of the military. At 30, the survivors of the previous part of their life, enjoyed a simple family life without luxuries or wealth.
Women and girls in Sparta were given more freedom than anywhere else in Greece. As a girl they were encouraged to take part in sports and become healthy, so that they could have healthy babies. When they reached adulthood they got many rights within the marriage.
