what happened to sparta

Sparta was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, known for its military prowess and dominance in the region. However, Spartas power began to decline after a severe military defeat to Epaminondas of Thebes at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC. This was the first time that a full-strength Spartan army lost a land battle, and it marked the end of Spartas military dominance. As Spartan citizenship was inherited by blood, Sparta increasingly faced a helot population that vastly outnumbered its citizens, leading to a decline in its population. Spartas economy was no longer able to support its large army, and many of its allies became resentful of its dominance, leading to rebellions against Spartan rule. Sparta was sacked in 396 AD by the Visigothic king Alaric, and underwent a long period of decline, especially in the Middle Ages, when many of its citizens moved to Mystras. Spartas power was eventually broken following the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, and it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 146 BC. Despite its eventual fall from power, Sparta remains one of the greatest military forces in history, and its legacy continues to be studied and admired today.