Sparta
/ˈspɑːr.tə/noun
An ancient Greek city-state in Laconia, famous for its military society and austere culture.
Did you know?The name of Sparta is ancient and securely attested, but its deeper pre-Greek origin is uncertain, so the city’s brutal reputation is historical, not etymological magic.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Σπάρτη (Spártē)
“The city-state of Sparta in Laconia”
Classical Greek
Greek
Σπάρτα (Spárta)
“A variant form used for the same city”
Latin
Latin
Sparta
“The Greek city of Sparta”
Middle English
English
Sparta
“The ancient Greek city, known through classical literature”
Modern English
English
Sparta
“The ancient city-state and its historical ideal of austerity and military discipline”