How did the Spartan "greatness" end?

[mj_toronto8]

I realize my question probably has a complicated answer. I am looking for information on how the Spartans met their demise. They were once mighty soldiers and a powerful (were they a city-state) - but that all ended. How?

I know that powerful empires, kingdoms, city-states - it all comes to an end eventually. That's the way history is. I want to study the ending for Sparta. I heard that it was a combination of factors. Wars taking a toll, not being able to sustain the lifestyle that gave them so much success, etc. Any resources you can share so I can do my research are most appreciated, as well.

 

[xmelissaa]

I have head some conflicting stories. Some blame the wars and conflicts they were involved in. Others simply say the lifestyle they had was unsustainable. Some also believe that it kind of got destroyed from within, as outside influences started to affect the culture. It is really hard to know. Maybe it was a combination.

 

[amygdalE]

I have head some conflicting stories. Some blame the wars and conflicts they were involved in. Others simply say the lifestyle they had was unsustainable. Some also believe that it kind of got destroyed from within, as outside influences started to affect the culture. It is really hard to know. Maybe it was a combination.

Issues of ESCHATOLOGY -- the beginning and end of something -- are unresalvable. A conjecture: Need is the mother of invention. A certain educational system was created in Sparta to fit the military superiority ambitions of the leaders; after its achievement OR failure, it became unnecessary... and the whole culture collapsed. Now start looking for details, which I do not possess.