Are the Spartans were the greatest warrior of all time

Great - no doubt, but their society is not built on the principles of freedom and spravedlivosti



It is undeniable that the Spartans have created one of the most impressive in the history of militarist culture: men trained martial art eight years before his death, and the army prevailed strictest discipline. The Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, the year. e. rightly recognized as one of the turning points of history.

But the Spartans were not unsophisticated, rough and free the soldiers, as it is like in the movies. Like all successful fighters, they often resorted to stratagems, in particular, among the first to understand the importance of espionage. Empire of the Spartans, although not too large in comparison with the world's empires, was still much larger than the neighboring countries.

These days, the Spartans are portrayed freedom-loving people, even if they are only valued their freedom and draw more. However, their women have the greatest freedom than women of other ancient Greek culture - know how to read, write, play sports, and could own property. The greatest warriors, survivors in many battles, received power and total freedom.

Spartans also practiced a kind of eugenics - if some soldier were branded as a coward, that his children were not allowed to marry and start their children. If the soldier managed to subsequently justify bans him shot.

None of this does not negate the greatness of the Spartans, the power of the army and military victories. Just when we speak of "militaristic societies", then immediately we imagine society based on honor, loyalty, devotion to the common cause and freedom. Perhaps that is so, and the Spartans saw themselves, but their society is still not built on idealism. Their military tactics were primarily practical and, incidentally, the only solution to external challenges.

While the soldiers were taught that they have to be courageous, this idealism was more to them than just moral: the choice was simple - take a chance and get a life or save it all and everything to lose. Death for them was far preferable to dishonor because infamy meant infinite scorn from fellow citizens.

via factroom.ru