Społeczne i polityczne aspekty hodowli koni w Sparcie epoki klasycznej.
Social and political aspects of horse breeding in classical Sparta

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to examine the phenomenon of Spartan hippotrophia, focusing on three issues: participation of Spartan men and women in horse racing (hippikoi agones), organization of breeding (costs, types of horses, infrastructure) and social implications of horse breeding in the Lacedaemonian state of the classical era. Preserved source material indicates that it enjoyed popularity among Spartan elite, allowing them to manifest their status and giving the opportunity to make political capital. Analysis of the case of Cynisca, the first woman who reached for the Olympic laurels, shows well the links between breeding and politics.

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