Spartan Military
Spartan Military
From about the time of the Persian invasion until the Battle of Leuctra, Sparta was viewed as the powerhouse of the Greek city-states. There were numerous reasons behind their success, but there are few that stand out as the most prevalent. Spartan boys are born to be warriors, they are sent to the Agoge at the age of seven and forced to abide by the Laws set by Lycurgus the Lawgiver. Spartan men never had to worry about chores or any work that was done in the kleroi, allowing more time and focus to be dedicated towards militaristic training. The Spartan army had the ability to call upon the Perioikoi and Helots if need be as extra warriors, which became a significant advantage at time. These reasons, along with various others, are why the Spartan army was able to succeed and become the dominant force in ancient Greece.
From the moment of birth, Spartan males are judged whether they have the capacity to be a great soldier. The sole purpose of Spartan men is to be a great warrior that can service the Spartan society by contributing to their military powerhouse. According to the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, “as boys reached the age of seven, Lycurgus took charge of them all himself and distributed them into troops”. The education of Spartan boys was almost entirely militaristic and the focus was to prepare them for a majority of their adult life in warfare. During their time in the Agoge as boys, Spartan men lived together in the barracks forming very close bonds and a sense of brotherhood, but they also learnt the tactics of the Spartan army, including how to fight in a phalanx. Spartan boys are exposed to violence at a young age through bizarre traditions and rituals, such as the Theft of cheeses ritual. Ancient Greek historian Plato believed that the Spartans were educated “not by persuasion but by violence”. As young men they are also exposed to much propaganda, including the poetry of Tyrtaios, all of which endorse the belief that
From about the time of the Persian invasion until the Battle of Leuctra, Sparta was viewed as the powerhouse of the Greek city-states. There were numerous reasons behind their success, but there are few that stand out as the most prevalent. Spartan boys are born to be warriors, they are sent to the Agoge at the age of seven and forced to abide by the Laws set by Lycurgus the Lawgiver. Spartan men never had to worry about chores or any work that was done in the kleroi, allowing more time and focus to be dedicated towards militaristic training. The Spartan army had the ability to call upon the Perioikoi and Helots if need be as extra warriors, which became a significant advantage at time. These reasons, along with various others, are why the Spartan army was able to succeed and become the dominant force in ancient Greece.
From the moment of birth, Spartan males are judged whether they have the capacity to be a great soldier. The sole purpose of Spartan men is to be a great warrior that can service the Spartan society by contributing to their military powerhouse. According to the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, “as boys reached the age of seven, Lycurgus took charge of them all himself and distributed them into troops”. The education of Spartan boys was almost entirely militaristic and the focus was to prepare them for a majority of their adult life in warfare. During their time in the Agoge as boys, Spartan men lived together in the barracks forming very close bonds and a sense of brotherhood, but they also learnt the tactics of the Spartan army, including how to fight in a phalanx. Spartan boys are exposed to violence at a young age through bizarre traditions and rituals, such as the Theft of cheeses ritual. Ancient Greek historian Plato believed that the Spartans were educated “not by persuasion but by violence”. As young men they are also exposed to much propaganda, including the poetry of Tyrtaios, all of which endorse the belief that
Bibliography: Cartledge, Paul. The Spartans: an epic history. London: Channel Four Books, 2002. Print. Pomeroy, Sarah B.. Spartan women. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. Print. [ 2 ]. Plutarch. Moralia. London: W. Heinemann;, 1927 [ 3 ] [ 4 ]. Powell, Anton. Classical Sparta: techniques behind her success. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 19891988. [ 5 ]. Powell, Anton. Xenophon and Sparta. Swansea: Classical Press of Wales, 2012 [ 6 ]