Legends about the harsh Spartans still go on. The army of this tribe was really so strong that the rulers decided to abandon the city walls - they say, the shield wall would be more reliable. Almost invincible warriors were famous throughout the ancient world, but what was the cent of such supermanliness?
Weak
In Sparta, the weak were not given a chance to survive. Sick, crippled, underdeveloped children were consulted by the elders. They decided whether it was worth spending community resources on such an individual. In most cases, the accident was carried to a special pit on the edge of the city, where he simply died of hunger. Survived? Excellent, he will be a real warrior.
Barracks
At the age of seven, the boy moved to the territory of the barracks. Fights, competition and even theft were encouraged here. Any disputes were resolved with fists, and with the approval of the teachers. Quiet lessons? No really. Pupils were allowed to contradict mentors if they were ready to defend their point of view in battle.
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Stealing food
Spartan education meant providing boys only with basic necessities. Shoes were considered a luxury, food made it possible to survive, no more. Pupils were encouraged to steal food from the market to maintain their ability to compete with their classmates.
Intelligence
But the matter was not limited to physical education. Students were trained to be not only strong, but also smart. Studying modern philosophers, according to the Spartans, gave future warriors the ability to think quickly and flexibly in battle.
One profession
If you are a Spartan, you are a soldier. A plowman, a merchant, a researcher, but a soldier. The Spartans were taught to be tough, obey orders unquestioningly and be the best warriors in all of Greece. Traditional all-round education was discouraged. Do you want to pursue philosophy as your life's work? Get off to pampered Athens.
Death
A Spartan who died of old age did not receive any awards and found his last refuge in a common grave. Only those who died in battle received their own inch of earth under the tombstone. Death in one's own bed was considered despicable even for those warriors who had spent their entire lives in battles.