Sparta! Chapter 7 – The Glory of Ancient Greece Section 2: SPARTA

Spartan Men & Boys:   Unhealthy babies were left on hillside went to military camps at age 7; lived in barracks slept outside; given 1 cloak; poorly fed encouraged to steal expected to bear pain in silence trained for 13 years, used spears and swords learned to read and write just enough to get by at age 20 they become soldiers, and expected to marry stayed in army until 60 years old could go into the Council of Elders at age 60 Joined assembly at age 30 ARISTOCRATS

played sports; trained in wrestling and spear throwing Spartan Women & Girls: played sports; trained in wrestling and spear throwing socialized with men allowed to own land and take part in business still had to obey men strong bodies: strong women equaled healthy children had more rights than any other women in city-states could not be soldiers could not be citizens  

Spartan Attitudes:   valued military skills and strength valued persistence in battle did not mix with other Greeks not allowed to travel looked down on wealth and trade education/learning/arts NOT important the weak had no place in Sparta did not like change valued a lean physique valued bravery “Come home with your shield, or on it” “Put the city-state’s needs above your own”

Council of Elders –   helped the ephors make decisions and guide education/training of young Spartans men over 60 years old served for life suggested laws to assembly known as the high court

ephors – took charge of public affairs managed the education of young Spartans served for one year 5 citizens appointed each year

Aristocrats – owned the land lived in the center of the polis (while soldiers they lived in barracks) wealthier class citizens of Sparta members of rich and powerful families; took over government could afford weapons and armor 1 in 20 Spartans was an aristocrat

Helots – slaves owned by the city state of Sparta worked farmland gave half of what they produced to the landowners outnumbered Spartans treated harshly

Perioeci – - NOT helots (slaves) or aristocrats (citizens) - merchants and artisans who lived in villages - traders who lived in villages