The Path to Becoming a Spartan Soldier

Steps to Becoming a Spartan Soldier

Around 800 B.C.E., the Greek people were emerging as an Aegean power because of the growth of their many urban centers: city-states called poleis. These poleis functioned as principle centers for Greek societies. They varied in their political views and cultural practices from one another. One of the most important of the Greek city-states was the polis of Sparta.

Sparta was a part of a region called Laconia, which was located on the fertile peninsula in Greece called the Peloponnese. Although the Spartans were landlocked, they had the ability to use the Gyethio harbor when needed, along with the Evrotas River as a source of fresh water. Spartans had neighbors called helots, who were the descendants of the earlier Greek immigrants to Laconia. The helots were defeated by the Spartans and were forced to serve as slaves to the Spartan community, not recognized as equal members of the Spartan society. Another group of people living within the Spartan society were called the Perioeci people. Their name translates to dwellers around and they worked as traders and craftsmen in the community but were not citizens of the land of Sparta either. The Spartan exploitation of the helots allowed them to live a lifestyle of simplicity, frugality, and austerity. From this lifestyle, the Spartans were able to create an educational system they called the Agoge.

The Agoge emphasized physical education, warfare, and survival as a warrior. Boys were sent to the Agoge at the age of seven to learn to survive on their own, create their own meals, and fight in harsh conditions. By the age of twenty, males were encouraged to marry and have children. The young soldiers had to sneak out of their barracks to return to the city to see the females.

Would you have wanted to become one?

Answer:

Entering the rigorous training of a Spartan soldier required immense physical and mental toughness from a young age. While the reputation of Spartan warriors as the fiercest in the world may be appealing, the sacrifices and hardships endured during the process may deter many from wishing to become one. The Spartan way of life was founded on discipline, self-denial, and a focus on military prowess above all else. The strict adherence to these principles may not suit everyone's aspirations or values.

However, for individuals drawn to a life of resilience, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to their comrades and state, the path to becoming a Spartan soldier could hold undeniable appeal. The sense of belonging to a community of elite warriors, the honor associated with defending one's homeland, and the legacy of a warrior culture passed down through generations could be powerful motivators for those seeking such a lifestyle.

In essence, the decision to pursue the path of a Spartan soldier would depend on one's personal outlook, values, and goals in life. While some may find the prospect alluring, others may prefer different paths that align more closely with their individual aspirations and beliefs.