Were the Spartans smart?

Classical Sparta in ancient Greece as we know it was formed after the Lycurgus reforms in the 8th century BC. e. These reforms dramatically changed her way of life and political system. It was thanks to the centralization of political power and power over the inhabitants in the hands of the state machine that the Spartans made progress in organizational and military affairs. Were they smart? Undoubtedly, after all, one cannot achieve victories over the powerful Persians and progressive Athens without a mind. A society in which few citizens controlled numerous subordinates – helots and perieks – was impossible without clear organization and management. It was not for nothing that Plato considered this polis to be the prototype of an ideal state, and laconicism (a short and clear statement of thoughts) – a virtue.