Militarism In The Spartan Society

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Despite stark differences between Athens and Sparta, both city-states constructed a hierarchical society in which a minority of privileged citizens had access to resources and public roles that was beneficial to them. Although Athens’ interest and preference in philosophy, art, cultural activities, and a form of direct democracy had a significant impact on the variety and flexibility of citizen-roles, and later, the Western governments. This is in contrast to Sparta’s militarized society which its sole purpose were to make strong and battle-ready soldiers and conquer. These elements to a high degree had an impact on the social and daily life of people who lived in these city-states. The daily life in the Spartan society, culturally and politically was affected by militarism. According to Brand (n.d.) the impact of the Second Messenian War pushed Sparta to adjust …show more content…
However, girls and boys alike participated in Agoge, Sparta’s educational system, but only boys were taken from their mothers to train and prepare themselves for life as strong soldiers and active duty at age 20. The right to participate in public life for Spartan free males began at the age of 30.

Although women’s duty was to give birth to healthy children and strong males, but they had physical training, were educated and unlike other women in Greece, they were not subjugated and inferior to the rest of the society.

While Helots (slaves) took care of the daily work, young women could continue to exercise or learn and compete in the The Heraia at the age of 13. The Heraia was the most important athletic event for women in Sparta, and its purpose was to honor Hera, The Goddess of War ("Ancient Greece - Daily Life", 2015).

At age 29, young Spartan soldiers tried to join a military dining group under called the Syssitia and this would require him to contribute with food to his dining

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