Sparta's Military

Sparta's Geography

Sparta was ruled by two kings
The majority of the power however, was in the hands of 5 elected officials (elected each year by the assembly)
Sparta also had a council of elders
These checks and balances formed a government that prevented revolts and abuses of power
Social classes were established by wealth and power (wealthy landowners made the upper class, free non-citizens made the second class, and the helots (slaves) were the lowest class

Family life consisted of supporting Sparta's military values
Women provided Sparta with sons for the army
Boys were sent to train at the age of 7
These boys trained away from home and were raised by the state during their training
The training was extremely brutal
The boys only were tunics and did not wear shoes (even in winter)
Food was provided in small amounts and was not very tasty to encourage stealing of food to toughen up the boys
However, if caught stealing, they were punished
At the age of 20, they would join a military unit until death
Women lived independent lives of their husbands most of the time because the soldiers were committed to the army
Spartan women could own land and property

King Leonidas is known for being the brave Spartan King who defeated the Persians at the battle of Thermopylae
He fought bravely and led his men to victory
He died (480 B.C.) heroically at the Hot Gates (Thermopylae)
Forever will go down in history as standing against the invading Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece
It is a popular tale of Greek heroism
The Western World sees it as the epitome of bravery exhibited against overwhelming odds

Olive Vista STEAM Magnet Middle School Student