How You Stop A King

Why Sparta was never conquered

August 05, 2025

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Today’s quote is one word, and it’s perfect. Before we get there, you need some background. Prior to “Alexander The Great” we had his father, Phillip the second. And while Phillip’s name isn’t known today like his son’s, he was every bit the conqueror his successor turned out to be.

Alexander made the world his empire, but it was off the momentum his father started in Macedonia. Starting initially in an obscurity, Philip expanded his kingdom by conquering neighboring territories until he controlled much of modern Greece. Only one region remained, Laconia. Home of Sparta. Not interested in unnecessary bloodshed, Philip chose diplomacy and sent the following letter to the Spartans:

"You are advised to submit without delay, for if I bring my army on your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people and raze your city."

The Spartans met Philip’s diplomacy with defiance, only going as far as to send a single word back:

“If.”

Philip never entered Laconia.

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