The greatest threat was from Athens in the 5th Century BCE, then Thebes and then Macedonia in the 4th Century BCE.
Be cause Athens wanted even MORE power so Sparta started war and WON! They then took over there government and made it a dictatorship.
1. Sparta, Athens, Corinth and Thebes. 2. Macedonia'
Both. They were competitors, unless threatened by foreigners.
The Peloponesian War was a long war between Sparta and Athens, two separate city states in Greece. Athen was strategically building an empire in the northern half of Greece, as well as on many Greek islands. Sparta felt threatened by Athens' increase in power, so they threatened war if Athens didn't release its empire. Athens refused, and the two cities went to war. A plague in Athens eventually forced them to surrender to Sparta. However, after the war, neither city returned to its former glory.
The recognised leading power in the Greek world at the time.
A navy is not on land, so neither had the best navy.
Sparta .
Sparta had a limited democracy. Sparta had two kings who ruled the city-state. They also had a 28 member council which could limit the power of the kings.
oligarchys or the council of elders
oligarchs
Sparta
The story of Sparta's "If" answer comes from when King Philip II of Macedon threatened Sparta with invasion. In response, the Spartans sent a single word reply: "If." This cryptic message was meant to convey Sparta's defiance and willingness to fight against overwhelming odds. Despite their reputation for bravery and military prowess, the Spartans would eventually face defeat at the hands of Philip's forces.