Sparta

Sparta is different from other city-states in Greece because the founder of the Spartan regime outlawed gold and silver. Boys were taken away from their families at age 7 and were raised in a herd. They slept under the stars and were only allowed to bathe and change clothes a couple of times a year. This made them tough. When they got older they had to live by stealing their food. If they were caught they were flogged (beaten). This taught them to survive in enemy territory.

The result of all this is that the ruins at Sparta are sparse to say the least. There are no great temple ruins or theaters. There aren't really any city walls either because the founder said that city walls do not promote courage. Walls make men cowards. Interesting, eh? However, there are beautiful pine trees at Sparta and beautiful surrounding mountains.