Sparta stood in the valley of the Eurotas River, nestled between Mount Taygetus to the west and Mount Parnon to the east. Archaeological evidence shows human settlement dating back to the Middle Neolithic period near Kouphovouno.
Lacedaemon was a mythical king who married Sparta, daughter of Eurotas. Their union produced Amyclas, Eurydice, and Asine while Spartans believed they descended from the hero Heracles through this lineage.
Sparta rose to become a major military power around 650 BC and held that status until 371 BC. King Leonidas led about 300 full Spartiates plus 700 Thespians and 400 Thebans against Xerxes' massive Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BC.
Spartan society divided inhabitants into three rigid classes: Spartiates, perioikoi, and helots. Spartiates were citizens with full rights while perioikoi were free non-citizens serving as military reserves and skilled craftsmen.
Male Spartans entered the agoge system at age seven living in communal messes. Boys studied reading, writing, music, and dancing alongside physical weapons training while receiving just enough food to avoid sluggishness.
Cynisca became first woman in Greece winning Olympic chariot races in 396 BC and again in 392 BC. Estimates suggest women owned at least 35% of all land and property in later Classical Sparta.