Last Updated on December 13, 2022 by Lily Connel
Sparta was the best city in ancient Greece. Their soldiers were fierce and ready for battle. In Sparta, women were more educated and had more freedom than elsewhere in Greece.
Ready to explore the world of ancient Sparta? This blog post is here to show you all the benefits of living in one of the most influential cities in history. From military might to unparalleled education systems, we’ll dive into all the advantages that made Sparta a powerhouse city-state.
Pros of Sparta – The List
1. The Strength of Sparta
The major strength of Sparta was its militaristic culture, where everything was done for the polis and everybody worked to make sure the polis stayed strong. Additionally, Spartan women had more freedom than in other Greek city-states, and girls received some education. Sparta also had a powerful army that was protective of its citizens. However, the weaknesses of Spartan education outweighed the strengths because the training was harsh, children were encouraged to steal, and many subjects were not taught.
2. The Fearless Spartan Warriors
The Spartan warriors were renowned for their bravery and strength in battle. They were highly trained and disciplined, and their military prowess was unmatched by any other Greek city-state. The Spartan warriors also had a strong sense of honour and loyalty, which made them even more formidable in battle. The Spartan society was also known for its strict social structure, which helped to ensure that the citizens of Sparta were well-prepared for war. Additionally, the Spartans had a strong sense of patriotism and pride in their city-state, which further motivated them to fight bravely against their enemies.
3. Leadership and Discipline
The Spartans valued discipline, obedience, and courage above all else. They were well-trained warriors that executed with precision and discipline. They assumed leadership of the allied Greeks due to their established reputation for strength and courage. The Spartan education system, known as the Agoge, emphasized duty, discipline and endurance. This system helped to create a strong sense of loyalty and commitment among the Spartans which enabled them to stand their ground against unimaginable odds. The Spartan system was also highly effective in instilling a sense of responsibility in its citizens which helped them to become successful leaders in battle.
4. Religious Beliefs and Rituals
The main religious beliefs and rituals of Sparta were centred on loyalty to the state and military service. Spartan boys entered a rigorous state-sponsored education, which was designed to produce loyal, skilful citizens. Spartan religion also included the worship of multiple gods, with sacrifice and libations being common religious practices. Additionally, the Spartans had a hero cult that venerated certain figures from their history. This cult was believed to have had an influence on Spartan life and culture, as it reinforced loyalty to the state and encouraged bravery in battle.
5. Government Structure and Laws
The Spartan government structure and laws had several advantages. Firstly, the co-king system allowed for unclarities about succession to be avoided. Secondly, the law forbade all Spartan males from any occupation other than that of being a soldier, which allowed Sparta to have a powerful military. Thirdly, the kings of Sparta were kept in check by ephors who were elected by the assembly. Lastly, the council of 500 was charged with administering decisions made by the assembly, allowing for efficient decision-making and policy implementation.
6. Education and Training Systems
The pros of the Spartan education and training system include discipline, individual toughness, and a powerful army. Discipline was instilled in Spartan children from a young age, teaching them to be resilient and self-reliant. Individual toughness was also encouraged through physical training and military drills. This helped to create a strong army that was feared by other nations. Additionally, girls were given some education, which was rare in other ancient societies.
7. Military Tactics
The Spartan military tactics were highly effective and allowed them to dominate the battlefield. The Spartan army was well-trained, disciplined, and organized, making them a formidable force. They were also known for their superior strategy and tactics, such as the use of phalanxes and hoplite formations. The hoplite uniform and tactics allowed them to move quickly and efficiently in battle, while their discipline enabled them to remain focused on the task at hand. Additionally, the Spartans had a strong sense of honour and loyalty that made them willing to fight to the death for their country.
8. Unparalleled Naval Power
The Spartans had a strong military and were renowned for their superior hoplite force. This gave them an advantage in land battles, as their disciplined and well-trained troops could easily outmatch their opponents. They also had a strong naval presence, with a fleet of triremes that was able to protect their coastline from invaders. The Spartans also had access to resources such as timber and metals which allowed them to build and maintain a powerful navy. Additionally, the Spartans had access to skilled sailors who could navigate the waters of the Mediterranean Sea with ease. This gave them an edge in naval battles, allowing them to outmanoeuvre their enemies and gain victory in battle.
9. Long-Term Strategy for Survival
The Spartans had a long-term strategy for survival that included a number of advantages. First, they had a strong sense of purpose and dedication to their cause. This allowed them to focus on their goals and objectives and remain disciplined in their approach. Second, they engaged in long-range planning, which enabled them to anticipate potential threats and develop strategies to counter them. Third, they had a strong military system that trained boys into fierce warriors who were well-equipped with clothing and equipment that gave them an advantage in battle. Finally, they had a symbiotic relationship between the form of government chosen and the way of life practised by its citizens which allowed for stability and prosperity.
10. Impact on Ancient Greece
The pros of Sparta included its powerful military, which enabled it to become a regional power after winning the Peloponnesian War against Athens. Sparta also had an oligarchy structure that kept war as a top priority, and its citizens were highly disciplined and trained in martial arts. The helot phenomenon also had an effect on the brutalization of the Spartan elite itself. Furthermore, Sparta played a role in determining the future course of all Greek—and Western—the history that was by no means entirely selfish.
