668: Messenia to Sparta - Scroll Down for more details

The Fall of Messenia - Sparta's Conquest in 668 BCE

Content:

In the year 668 BCE, the region of Messenia in the southwestern Peloponnese fell under the domination of Sparta, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of Spartan power. This event was part of the larger First Messenian War (circa 743-724 BCE), a prolonged conflict between Sparta and the neighboring Messenians, who were eventually subjugated and reduced to the status of helots—state-owned serfs bound to the land.

Background:

• Sparta's Expansion: By the 8th century BCE, Sparta, a rising military power, sought to conquer fertile Messenia to secure agricultural resources and slave labor.
  
• Messenian Resistance: The Messenians fiercely resisted Spartan aggression, leading to a brutal war that lasted decades.

The Aftermath (668 BCE and Beyond):

Though the First Messenian War had ended decades earlier, the year 668 BCE is significant because it may refer to a later revolt or consolidation of Spartan control. Some sources suggest this period saw continued unrest, possibly linked to the Second Messenian War (mid-7th century BCE), when Messenians, led by the legendary hero Aristomenes, attempted to overthrow Spartan rule.

Consequences:

• Helot System: Messenians became helots, forced to work Spartan lands, fueling Sparta's militarized society.
  
• Spartan Militarization: The need to suppress revolts led Sparta to develop its rigid military state.
  
• Long-Term Tensions: Messenian resentment persisted, leading to future uprisings.

Note: Exact records from 668 BCE are scarce, and dating conflicts in ancient sources can be inconsistent. If you were referring to a specific event in that year, further clarification would help refine the details.

Would you like more on Spartan society or the Messenian revolts?