20 crazy facts about the Spartans

Why warriors of ancient Sparta were considered by the fearless, strong, powerful soldiers in the world? Listed here facts about the Spartans will give the answer to this question.





From birth, children Spartans subjected to various tests. If the council of elders found any physical defects in the baby, it was left to die in the wilderness.



Typically, babies died there, but sometimes they saved other people.



But even then the weak babies having a hard time. They are not bathed in water and wine, to see how they are healthy and able to survive.



Adults infants habituated not afraid of the dark and lonely, ignored their cries.



At the age of 7 boys Spartans took away from home for enlistment ("agoge"), where they did fearless warriors and responsible citizens.



Young soldiers were trained in the art of warfare, hunting, athletics and lived in common barracks.



Clothes young Spartans were allowed to wear only 12 years old. They were forced to sleep on the cold ground in the street.



Food Spartans deliberately was meager, and theft and robbery only encouraged. However, if they come across on the theft, then received a hefty spanking.



Men in Sparta had to be skilled warriors, and women - exemplary mother, able to educate soldiers.



On a par with the boys, who studied military tactics and martial arts, girls also attended training in athletics, wrestling, javelin and disc, and still held the psychological preparation for the upcoming motherhood. Only a woman could give birth from Sparta Spartan warriors.



Girls, unlike boys, were allowed to live with their parents.



Educational system agoge implied training not only fight, but also to read and write.



Nevertheless, "hazing" and fights among students encouraged.



The only profession for which he could expect a boy in the future was a Spartan warrior profession. All Spartans were considered liable for military service to 60 years.



Industrial production and agriculture were engaged in the lower strata of the population and foreigners, many of whom were slaves.



The most severe test that looked for boys, was a "contest of endurance," in which they were beaten and flogged to check the resistance to pain. Those who died during the test were considered weaklings.



After training at the age of 30 years old man looking for a life partner. Girls are usually married at 20 years. Marriage, primarily seen as a means of reproduction of new soldiers.



Surrender to the Spartan meant to cover themselves with shame. Hence special Spartan mentality. Spartan mother sending her son to the war, said: "Come back with your shield or on».



According to the law of that time only two classes of people deserve the right to perpetuate their names on the tombstones - a woman who died in childbirth, and men who laid his head in battle.