Arising in the Peloponnese region of Ancient Greece, Sparta emerged as a formidable military power, renowned for its rigorous training and discipline. At its peak, Sparta dominated much of Greece through its military prowess and political alliances, enforcing its hegemony through the Peloponnesian League. However, internal strife and the unyielding militaristic culture led to its eventual decline, as Sparta struggled to adapt to changing times and maintain its rigid social structure. The rise of Thebes and the crushing defeat at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC dealt a significant blow to Spartan power, marking the beginning of its downfall. Despite attempts to regain its former glory, Sparta gradually faded into obscurity, eventually succumbing to Roman rule in the 2nd century BC.
