Asher Sisneros

Modern culture praises the Spartans for their courage. Hollywood films such as 300 made the city-state synonymous with liberty. This history essay is about the Spartan way of life and government. 

Sparta was one of Greece’s most influential city-states, alongside Athens. The Dorians invaded the geographical land of Sparta in the 11th century B.C. The Dorian invaders called themselves Spartiates, and following the invasion, they became the ruling class. Beneath them were the natives, called “helots.” The Spartiates forced the helots to pay tribute and work the land for them. Due to this oppression, there were multiple revolts. That proved problematic since the natives outnumbered the Spartiates 10–1. To the Spartan government, there was only one cure: Military strength. 

Thus, the military state was born. The Spartans executed weak children since their nation needed strength. By age 7, the state assumed responsibility to train boys for war. The military training continued until they were 20—when they entered the army. Understandably, the period between 7–20 was crucial. It engrained a philosophy in their minds. For example, the children had barely enough food to survive. Their trainers expected and wanted them to steal food, but only if they didn’t get caught. If you got caught, there were strict repercussions. Solution: Don’t get caught. The state didn’t make proactive efforts to stop the stealing. They wanted it. For that reason, the Spartans became crafty and cunning. Additionally, the boys received instructions to murder helots frequently, who weren’t protected by the law. Why? So they became comfortable with taking life. Such was the training of the Spartans. 

By thirty, Spartan men assumed citizenship and joined the Assembly of Citizens. Sparta consisted of four branches of government: Two kings, the Council of Elders, the ephors, and the Assembly of Citizens. The Assembly of Citizens elected the Council of Elders—men above sixty—who served for life. In all, there were twenty-eight elders, plus the two kings. Like the elders, the Assembly elected five ephors who served annual terms. 

One might think that Sparta was the epitome of military strength. It’s undeniable that they possessed such strength. But the curious thing is that Sparta wasn’t a conquering city-state. Partially, that is because they never developed an adequate navy. Another reason is because of Helot’s revolts. The Spartans didn’t want the Helots to overthrow the nation while they were absent at war. For that reason, Sparta’s military power was never fully actualized.