The primary city of Lakedaimon (Lacedaemon).
During the Trojan War, Menelaos (Menelaus), co-commander of the Achaian (Achaean) army, mustered soldiers from the Lakedaimon cities of Sparta, Amyklai (Amyclae), Augeiai (Augeiae), Bryseiai (Bryseiae), Helos, Laas, Messe, Oitylos (Oetylus), and Pharis. Lakedaimon is an acceptable name for the city of Sparta and the surrounding territory.
The god Zeus taunted his sister-wife Hera by saying he would allow the Achaians to destroy Troy if she would allow him to obliterate one of her favorite Achaian cities. She readily agreed, including Sparta as a potential site for Zeus' revenge.
Latitude North, Longitude East
37.08184, 22.4246
| References: Homer, Iliad book 2, line 582; book 4, line 52 |