(Greece, 6th-4th century BCE)
Sparta is always ready for war. From birth, children born into this Ancient Greek city-state are assessed to determine whether or not they are strong enough to be truly ‘Spartan’. Life in Sparta is a minimal affair, with luxuries and comforts frowned upon, and the main focus placed upon physical strength and military prowess.
As Sparta sits in mountainous terrain, some 27 miles from its closest port, the society is built around the need to conquer other lands for access to essential commodities.
When young boys reach seven years old, they leave their families to join the military barracks and begin their training (or ‘agoge’). 13 years later, at 20 years old, they are fully fledged soldiers (known as hoplites) who spend their time either in combat or teaching the younger boys, who must learn the ways of battle just as they did.
WHERE TO STAY
Depending on your age and sex, the barracks may well be where you are already supposed to be, so to avoid getting into trouble, head there. Although men are able to leave the barracks, and even be married, they must continue to live away from their spouse until their term as a Spartan warrior ends at age 30.
The men that marry before 30 must visit their wife in secret. Sparta is not a crowded place and barracks will usually be situated in some open space, some distance apart from domestic dwellings and the civic buildings.
WHO TO BE FRIEND
King Leonidas of Sparta
This king will come to be renowned for his unflinching bravery and unwillingness to surrender. He is, at least through the lens of history, the greatest warrior king of Ancient Greece and perhaps even beyond. His prominence might make you think he’s one to avoid – after all, if you are chosen to join him in his Royal Guard of 300 against the Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE, you will, like the rest of the men, fight until death. Surrender is simply not an option. But for the sake of historic glory, it’s surely worth it.
WHO TO AVOID
King Xerxes
If you are to befriend Leonidas, King Xerxes is by default your greatest enemy. He is the leader of the Persian force that is invading Greece, and is an impressionable but determined king, persuaded into seeking revenge on the Greeks after they defeated the forces of his father, Darius I, at the battle of Marathon. Whether or not this is the sole motivation for his invasion is not clear, but either way, he has amassed a sizeable army and spent three years organising provisions for war. He arrives in Greece with troops estimated at 360,000 men, so he’s certainly not to be messed with.
HELPFUL SKILLS
Few states have realised a goal quite like Sparta has with its military prowess, but what skills are needed to fit in?
Endurance
Aside from being in general peak physical condition, the ability to withstand huge amounts of pain and gruelling training is essential. Boys are routinely flogged as a test of their endurance.
Obedience
As with any military body, the Spartan army requires that you be obedient. In Sparta, disobedience is punished with torture, while anyone showing cowardice is shamed throughout society.
Physical fitness
This is a necessity in Sparta, and Plutarch’s stories of Sparta even claim that babies are put through physical tests to make sure they are strong enough for Spartan life. It is a main focus for both men and women.
Extra tip
The expectation of obedience that is placed upon Spartans also extends to their fastidious view of religion. They, like most other Ancient Greek states, worship the gods of Olympus, led by Zeus. With their focus on war, their favourite gods are Apollo, the archer, and Ares, god of war. Spartans even see and depict Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as a warrior figure. Sacrifices to the gods are also made before and after some battles. To be accepted into Spartan society, you too must eagerly worship the gods, especially those that can watch over you in battle.
**********
Dos & Don’ts
Tend the land.
Farming is, while not as important as military success, a necessary part of Spartan life. If you aren’t in the barracks, agriculture may be your area.
Athletics in the nude.
As it is a wholesome activity to promote physical health, both men and women are free to partake in athletics, most often without wearing clothes.
Collect some straw.
The humble nature of Spartan life also extends into homes, which are always sparsely furnished with only the essentials, and have straw for beds rather than mattresses.
Get used to bland food.
Luxury is frowned upon, including at meal times. You can expect barley meal, figs and cheese, or Spartan broth, a grey-brown mix containing oatmeal.
Get involved in trade.
Spartans are not allowed to trade goods, so this is left to the Perioikoi, a group of free non-Spartans from Messenia and Laconia.
Have fun.
The state believes that any comfort, happiness or fun could lead to corruption among its citizens, so if you find yourself enjoying something, don’t let it show.
Act like a foreigner.
Any non-Spartans living in Sparta (there are some, but not many) are viewed with suspicion and are occasionally expelled by paranoid landlords.
Get caught stealing.
Food is deliberately rationed, and stealing encouraged as it is a good lesson in survival. However, getting caught a punishable offence, so be stealthy.
In "All About History" UK, issue 37, 2016, excerpts pp. 51-53. Digitized, adapted and illustrated to be posted by Leopoldo Costa.