SPARTA
Power, Pride, and Loyalty
BUILT TO CONQUER
Sparta was a nation designed for battle. At the age of seven, Spartan boys left their families to train and live at the barracks. They joined the full army at age 20, stayed in the bartracks for 10 more years, and retired at 60. However, men over 60 were still expected to train. Spartan men were expected to die in battle.
Women in Sparta
Spartan girls were taught sports such as wrestling, running, and javelin throwing. Women in Sparta had more freedom than other women in Greece because they could go where they wanted and lived alone. They could also own property.
A STRONG GOVERNMENT
In Sparta, they had an oligarchy government. This means only a few people held power and ran the government. These people were:
~Two Kings
~A council of elders (28 citizens in the council)
~5 Ephors (tax collectors)
~An Assembly
This type of government was essential to Spartans, because it kept people loyal and trustworthy by not giving too many people too much power.
NO OUTSIDERS HERE
Sparta was a community based around loyalty. A good soldier is always loyal. Therefore, no outsiders were allowed into Sparta in order to keep the citizens focused and driven towards one goal, victory.
WHERE IS SPARTA?
Sparta is a city located in Laconia, Greece. It is Southwest from the capital, Athens, and Northwest from the Sea of Crete.
SPARTAN ART
Though Sparta is mostly known for it's battle techniques, great art once thrived there. Shields, pottery, and statues were all made in Ancient Sparta. These pieces depicted battle scenes, warriors, animals, gods, and much more.
Religion in Sparta
Religion was very important in Spartan culture. Spartans were polytheists, which means they worshipped many gods and goddesses. Spartans gave offerings to the gods to mark special occasions, ask for help, or to thank them for a favor. In Sparta there were many temples and shrines built to honor the Greek deities.