The ancient Greek city-state whose citizens were called Spartans was Sparta.
Sparta stood in Laconia, in the southeastern Peloponnese, beside the Eurotas River. Unlike Athens, which became famous for democracy, drama, and naval power, Sparta developed a society strongly focused on military discipline, communal training, and control of surrounding farmland.
The name can cause confusion because “Sparta” refers both to the city-state and, in modern usage, to the ancient settlement area. Ancient writers also used “Lacedaemon” for the Spartan state and its territory. The inhabitants were often called Lacedaemonians, while “Spartiates” specifically referred to full Spartan citizens.
Sparta’s power rested partly on the helots, a dependent agricultural population who worked land for the citizen class. Its political system combined two hereditary kings, a council of elders, elected officials called ephors, and a citizen assembly. The city remained influential in Greek affairs until its defeat by Thebes at Leuctra in 371 BCE.