Sparta
Life in Sparta, Greece
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Government
Spartan Standard of Living
- Babies were required to be hearty and healthy.
Parents tested this by leaving their child on a mountain, alone, over night.
- By the age of 7, boys were taken from family and put into military training.
They wore uniforms 24/7, ate small, bland meals, were always barefoot, and endured harsh punishments.
- Men were expected to serve in the military until the age of 60.
Men lived away in barracks until the age of 30, even if they were married.
- Women were not allowed to vote, however, they still had more rights and privileges than men.
Unlike boys who were shipped at age 7, Spartan girls received an education and physical training, focused on gymnastics, choral song and dance.
- Shortly after birth, Spartan babies were bathed in wine and then presented to Gerousia (an elder).
Any weak or deformed babies were thrown off of Mount Taygetos, and killed.
- Only Spartan men who died in battle and women who died in childbirth were entitled to having names on a gravestone.
These deaths were the only to be considered honorable.
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Works Cited
Cartledge, Paul. The Spartans: The World of the Warrior Heroes of Ancient Greece. New York: Vintage, 2002. Print.
"Facts About Sparta, an Ancient Greek City-State." Interesting Information for Kids, Pupils, Parents and Teachers. Primary Facts, n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2014.
"Rise of City-States: Athens and Sparta." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2014.
Sienkewicz, Thomas J. Ancient Greece. Pasadena, CA: Salem, 2007. Print.
"Spartans." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 07 Jan. 2014.