15. Spartan Economy: Land, Money, and a Focus on Military Might

Date: 6 April 2024
Time: 14:28:50 CEST
Topic: 15. Spartan Economy: Land, Money, and a Focus on Military Might
Tags: foreign luxuries, iron currency, Laconia, land redistribution, Lycurgus, military focus, military pursuits, Perioeci, reality vs. legend, self-sufficiency, Spartan citizens, Spartan economic model, trade prohibition

Land distribution and a unique currency system were cornerstones of the Spartan economic model, traditionally credited to Lycurgus.

Land Redistribution (uncertain): Legends claim Lycurgus addressed vast wealth inequality by redistributing Laconia's land. Each of the 9,000 Spartan citizens would supposedly receive an equal plot, with a smaller portion going to the 30,000 Perioeci (non-citizen residents). However, historians doubt such a precise redistribution actually occurred.

Focus on Military, Not Trade: Spartans were forbidden from engaging in trade. Their entire existence revolved around hunting, physical training, and military drills.

Iron Currency: Sparta's official money was iron, not gold or silver. Plutarch describes these coins as bulky and cumbersome, requiring a large storage space and even oxen to transport. The purpose, according to him, was to discourage the purchase of foreign luxuries.

Reality vs. Legend: Modern historians believe the iron currency wasn't Lycurgus' invention, but rather Sparta's adherence to an older form of exchange. Other Greek states had already adopted precious metals like gold and silver, but Sparta, focused on self-sufficiency and military pursuits, clung to the traditional iron. The attribution to Lycurgus likely reflects a tendency of Spartans to credit their founder with all their established practices.