Sparta was an ancient city-state located in the region of Laconia in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in southwestern Greece. It was situated on the right bank of the Eurotas River in a valley naturally protected by surrounding mountains, including Mt. Taygetus to the west and Mt. Parnon to the east. This geographical setting provided natural defenses and played a significant role in Sparta's historical development as a powerful military state. The modern city of Sparta, built in 1834, lies on the same site as the ancient city in the Eurotas River valley in Laconia, Greece.