Messenian Wars: What Happened
The Messenian Wars were a series of conflicts in which Sparta conquered its western neighbor, Messenia, in the southwestern Peloponnese. The First Messenian War is traditionally dated to around 743 to 724 BC and ended with Spartan victory. A generation or two later, the Messenians rose up in the Second Messenian War, around 685 to 668 BC, led by the legendary hero Aristomenes, who became famous for his daring raids and escapes. The revolt was eventually crushed. The Spartan poet Tyrtaeus wrote war songs during this conflict urging Spartans to stand firm in battle, and fragments of his verses survive. The dates are traditional and cannot be confirmed, but the result is clear. The Messenians were reduced to helots, a class of state-owned serfs forced to farm the land and hand over half their harvest to Spartan masters. Controlling this large, resentful population shaped everything about Sparta, pushing it to become a permanent military state. Messenia regained its freedom only in 369 BC, after the Theban victory at Leuctra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Messenian Wars?
The Messenian Wars were conflicts in which Sparta conquered Messenia, its neighbor in the southwestern Peloponnese, and later crushed Messenian revolts. The first two wars are traditionally dated to the 8th and 7th centuries BC.
Who was Aristomenes?
Aristomenes was the legendary Messenian hero of the Second Messenian War. He became famous for daring raids and escapes, and later Messenians honored him as a symbol of resistance.
What happened to the Messenians?
After their defeat, the Messenians were reduced to helots, state-owned serfs who farmed the land and gave half their harvest to their Spartan masters.
How did the Messenian Wars shape Sparta?
Controlling a large and resentful helot population pushed Sparta to become a permanent military state, with every citizen trained as a full-time soldier.
When did Messenia become free?
Messenia regained its freedom in 369 BC, after the Theban general Epaminondas defeated Sparta at Leuctra. He founded the city of Messene, whose impressive ruins can still be visited.
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