Final answer:
The name "Spartoi" means "sown men" and comes from Greek mythology where armed men grow from dragon's teeth in the foundation myth of Thebes. This term is derived from the Greek for sowing seeds, symbolizing the rapid generation of a military force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name "Spartoi" (sometimes spelled "Sparti") refers to the mythical armed men who sprang from dragon's teeth in the foundation myth of Thebes. This term means "sown men," derived from the Greek word "σπείρω" (speirō), which means "to sow," as a farmer sows seeds in the field.
These warriors were thus perceived as being 'planted' into the earth. This mythical tale symbolizes the spontaneous generation of a fierce military force; just as seeds rapidly grow into fully formed plants, these warriors quickly arose from the ground fully armed for battle.
The foundation myth and the concept of the Spartoi are deeply rooted in the cultural history of ancient Greece. The Spartoi were associated with the city of Thebes, not to be confused with the historical Spartan society of Laconia, though their names bear a similar phonetic resemblance.
These warriors perfectly illustrate how ancient Greek mythology often intertwined natural elements with human characteristics to explain the origin of certain peoples or traditions within its rich tapestry of myths and legends.