Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which city-state focused solely on warfare and neglected other aspects of society?
What was the main piece of equipment for a hoplite soldier?
What change in military equipment and tactics occurred in Greece around the 7th century B.C.?
Which formation was known as a phalanx?
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What was the goal of hoplite battles?
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What was the purpose of the Spartan secret service, Krypteia?
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Which age did Spartan men join one of the clubs known as syssitia?
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Why were sexual relationships encouraged between the older and younger men in the syssitia?
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At what age could Spartan men get married?
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What did Spartan women have more freedom and power to do compared to women in other Greek states?
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Study Notes
Hoplite Warfare and Sparta
- Sparta had no focus on art, wealth, or intellectual pursuits, but solely on warfare.
- The hoplite revolution in Greece brought about changes in military equipment and tactics, with the hoplite being a heavily armored foot soldier.
- The hoplite's shield was a three-foot diameter wood-and-bronze construct, and they were equipped with a bronze helmet, breastplate, greaves, spear, and sword.
- The hoplite's equipment was expensive and required a significant investment.
- Hoplites formed lines with their shields overlapping, creating a solid wall of metal in combat.
- Multiple rows of hoplites formed a phalanx, which made them nearly invulnerable if there were no gaps.
- Hoplite battles were focused on killing as many enemies as possible, setting the model for "the western way of war."
- Sparta invaded Messenia and reduced its inhabitants to slaves called Helots.
- Helots revolted multiple times, leading to Sparta prioritizing military strength.
- The Spartan social system aimed to produce fanatical, identical, and highly trained hoplites.
- Spartan boys were taken from their mothers at seven and enrolled in communal schools for athletic training, military skills, and competition.
- Spartan men joined clubs called syssitia at twenty and had restricted marriages, spending most of their time at the clubs. Spartan women had more freedom and power compared to women in other Greek states.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Sparta's unique focus on warfare and its social system of training male children for battle. Learn about hoplite warfare and discover the distinguishing features of this ancient Greek city-state.
