Describe the education and upbringing of young people in Ancient Sparta.
Why did the Spartans raise their children in this manner?.
Sparta was the first Greek city to drop the idea of the education system being used to create an individual hero who would hope to outdo his rivals. Instead, the Spartan system was designed to place the success of the city or community as a whole before the idea of personal success.
The education and upbringing of Spartan boys was not very pleasant. They were trained to be soldiers from a young age.
Ultimately, Spartan boys were expected to develop the ability to endure hardship and pain, to obey their orders, to show great courage and to ensure victory in battle. In other words, they were trained to be lean, mean, fierce and loyal soldiers, so as to be able to defend Sparta against a Helot revolt or an attack from an outside country. A strong army was an insurance policy, which would hopefully ensure the Spartan civilization would survive.
From the age of seven onwards, the Spartan boys became members of a group with whom they spent their entire day with. From the age of twelve they left home and slept with other members of their group. They didnt have a private life until they were at least thirty years old.
The behavior expected of Spartan boys was as follows:.
Go barefoot.
Wear woolen clothes in summer.
Wear a thin tunic and cloak in winter.
Sleep on a bed of reeds from the river Eurotas, which you must make yourself.
Do not use torches in the dark.
Eat monotonous food v/s only black wheat porridge.
Steal to prevent starvation from inadequate rations. If caught, you will be beaten for lack of shrewdness, not dishonesty.
Practice tough ball games and organised fights.
Have no amusements.
Learn only war songs.
Learn only basic reading and writing.
Speak only when it is necessary.
The Paidonomos (Supervisor of Education) was in charge of the city's education. Only a member of the highest class in the city was permitted to have this job.
