http://www.history.com/photos/sparta Sparta was a Greek city-state known for their great warriors. en Copyright 2013, History.com Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-21T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo1 Sparta was a Greek city-state that rose to prominence around 650 B.C. The Spartans were known for their austere way of life and military prowess. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo2 Sparta is featured in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Helen, the demigoddess daughter of Zeus and Leda. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo3 According to legend, Helen's abduction by the Trojan prince Paris brought about the Trojan War. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo4 Much of the Spartan lifestyle revolved around military training and action. Each male child was expected to become a soldier. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo5 During the long Greco-Persian War, Athens and Sparta teamed up to push back Persian invaders. The Spartans displayed their bravery and resolve in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo6 Led by King Leonidas, 300 Spartan soldiers held their own at Thermopylae against a large Persian force led by Xerxes. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo7 Outnumbered 50 to one, all 300 Spartans fought to their deaths. Even though Persia won the battle, they lost the war, and the Spartan sacrifice is considered one of history's great moments of valor. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo8 The city of Sparta was destroyed by the Visigoths in 396. Excavations have uncovered public buildings and temples on the site. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo9 Many Spartan amphora vases painted with black figures have been recovered. http://www.history.com/photos/sparta/photo9