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Low-tech, I believe your characterization of Sparta is unjustifiably harsh. Of course I appreciate that it is based on 'modern sensibilities'. However, all of the Greek city states engaged in slavery. I don't see Athens' 'empire' being any more 'virtuous' than Sparta's 'exploitation' of their immediate neighbours. If anything, at least Sparta required their 'ruling class' to 'walk the talk', in so far as it was they who were obligated to fight in the 'army', and they were also expected to lead a 'simple' life, and not simply enjoy an 'easy life' based on the labours of others (as was the case in Athens for example). It is interesting that Plato ranked Sparta as closest to the 'ideal' form of government whereas Athenian 'democracy' was ranked the lowest.
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