Religion In Spartan Life Essay

The role of religion in Spartan life was one of great importance. It influenced the entire society both politically and culturally as these two aspects were intertwined through the constitution, a religious document designed off the interpretations of Apollo’s will through an oracle. This was considered the god ideals of harmony, order and reason. The nature of this belief was polytheistic and so, pleasing the gods and goddesses of who they perceived as divine rulers who decided their fates, was a popular practice. As was aiming to appease the gods so that military victory would be ensured; as said by Plutarch “the statues of all the gods, both female and male, they make with spear in hand to indicate that all the gods have the valour which …show more content…
This importance is displayed through numerous accounts of the festivals, the lengths of which they were celebrated and the events that took place at the times of each celebration. However lack of evidence also makes many aspects of festivities up to speculation. An example of this is the battle at Marathon where, according to Herodotus, Sparta had agreed to send troops to aid Athens in repelling the Persian forces although they “could not take the field”. It was believed that they were unable to immediately assist Athens due to a festival of which they had to take part in before leaving for battle. This shows that worshipping the gods and goddesses of Sparta and honouring them was more important than their military endeavours, which was also a fundamental aspect of Spartan life. Historian Helena P. Schrader supports this theory by suggesting, due to the festivities many of the commanders would be “scattered about Lacedaemon on their distant estates.” This theory is not shared by all historians however as W. P. Wallace, being discontent with the notion of a religious festival holding so much influence, suggests Arkadian discontent and intrigues making immediate travel