A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Σπαρτοί), from the verb σπείρω, and accordingly signifies "the sown men ;" it is the name given to the armed men who sprang from the dragon's teeth sown by Cadmus, and were believed to be the ancestors of the five oldest families at Thebes. (Apollod. 3.4. § l; Paus. 9.5.1, 10. § l ; Schol. ad Apollon. Rhod. 3.1179, ad Pind. Isthm. 1.41, ad Eur. Phoen. 670, ad Soph. Antig. 128 ; Ov. Met. 3.101, &c.; comp. CADMUS).

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