Crossword Genius

Ancient city state famed for its military discipline (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sparta

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ancient city' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'state famed for its military discipline' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'state' could be 'part' (part is a kind of state) and 'part' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'sa' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sparta that I've seen before include "Old Greek city state, famous for its citizens' austere lifestyle" , "Enemy of Athens?" , "it was a hard place" , "Ancient Greek city where great self-denial was practised" , "Formerly "City" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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