Cairetw

Some notes concerning the relationship in between Sparta and Tegea. We know by fact the Tegea was overwhelmed from the power of Sparta in Peloponnesus (See G. L. Cawkwell, 1993: 368 and Cf. Kahrsted cit. op. 81 and N.G.L Hammond CAH III 3, 335). Sparta singed a treaty, around c. 550, with the Tegeans for supporting further its power (G. L. Cawkwell, 1993: 335). We can think that that happened because Tegea could support Spartan army with war equipment, however in that case is not the truth. The most acceptable reason was for Sparta to secure its northern routs. Plutarch includes that into his Greek Questions (Mor. 292b). It looks that the reason indeed is political or a geopolitical. The Spartans during this period was extremely afraid the Messenian’s and the Helots and their capability to gain allies (Cartledge, Agesilaus 1987: 13).

If we take the question more logically can we ask: How is possible the Spartan army to subsist if did not have any self-construction of war equipment? If indeed, the Spartans had the need of equipment, why to import from Tegea and the other allied or occupied city-states?

Yours,

Nikolaos Cleomenes