The most important archelogical site of sparta is the sanctuary of Arthemis orthia located at the entrance of the modern city,  excavated during the years of 1906-1910. The sanctuary is located along the north bank of river Eurotas, and its history starts around the 10^th century B.C. The sanctuary was build around 1100 B.C. During the 6^th century B.C. and probably because of a flood, the sanctuary was destroyed , and a new and bigger one was build , very close to the its original location..The sanctuary was again rebuilt at the beginning of the 2^nd Century A.C. The latest renovation took place during the 3^rd century A.C. when the sanctuary and the altar were combined into a ampitheartical temple with a dimeter of 54 m, which was used until the destroyal of Sparta from Alarihos at 396 A.C.

At the sanctuary the ancient Spartans, used to perform dances wearing masks and the place used to be the center for the Agogi (the educational system for the young Spartans).