City state of ancient Greece, famous for its military prowess (6)

I believe the answer is:

sparta

(Other definitions for sparta that I've seen before include "Ancient Greek city known for warlike spirit" , "Rival of Athens during the Peloponnesian Wars" , "it was a hard place" , "Ancient Greek city whose citizens were famed for toughness" , "place of austerity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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