Imagine Living In Ancient Sparta! Quiz

Answer:

The Agoge actually began before a boy was even old enough to walk. Shortly after birth, Spartan elders inspected babies and if a child appeared weak or "unfit," they were often abandoned on a mountain. Spartans believed that starting life with a disadvantage was a disservice to both the child and the state. At age 7, the boys were separated into groups called agelai and started training with the Agoge system. From age 7 to 14 they focused on physical fitness and literacy (focused around military terms) then moved into more advanced training. Later, they would mentor younger boys within the Agoge and were finally completely "graduated" at age 30. Boys slept on a floor in the barracks and would engage in "team fights" in open-air training grounds. Later, they would practice survival techniques in the nearby mountainous areas.

Girls' education was also taken quite seriously. Although they did not go to the Agoge, they followed a strict schedule of training at home supervised by the city elders. They were not learning things like sewing or cooking (as there were servants for those duties) but focused on physicality. They learned wrestling, discus, horseback riding, etc. They also were in chorus so they could learn to sing songs about the bravery of men. Since they would eventually run the household, they also were taught money management and social skills.

Elders believed that being exposed to the elements from a young age made the skin "leather-like" and tough. It forced their bodies to regulate their own temperature rather than relying on fabric. Therefore, boys entering the Agoge remained virtually naked for five years. When a boy turned twelve, he was finally given a piece of clothing called a chlamy (like a cloak). It was made of thick, scratchy wool, usually dyed a dull color and was worn year-round. Spartan boys were forbidden from wearing sandals as they were expected to have tough feet.

In other cities (such as Athens) girls were expected to remain indoors and wear layers of clothing. Not in Sparta! Spartan girls wore a simple, short tunic called a peplos that was usually made of wool and fastened at the shoulders with pins. It had a slit side to allow the girl to run and jump. Spartan girls were forbidden to wear jewelry, makeup, and elaborate hairstyles as beauty was seen as begotten from exercise and not adornments. Although girls competed in athletic events barefoot, they were allowed to wear sandals on a daily basis.

In Sparta, food wasn't for enjoyment-it was for "fueling." For boys in the barracks or girls at home, the goal was the same: stay lean and stay strong. Once boys entered the Agoge, their main meal was Melas Zomos (Black Broth). It was made of boiled pigs' legs, salt, vinegar, and a lot of pigs' blood. The elders believed hunger equated to growing tall, so boys were served tiny portions of food. If a boy was hungry, he could attempt to sneak out and steal food from neighboring areas. If he was caught, he was punished for being a poor thief! The girls, also, ate hearty foods for growth but they could also supplement it with bread, cheese, fruit, and watered-down wine. There were no sweets for anyone as that was deemed a frowned-upon luxury.

After many grueling physical tests, a boy could graduate the "underclass" at the Agoge at age 20 and finally could join the regular Spartan army. However, he still didn't get to go home. Even if he got married, he was legally required to live in the barracks with his fellow soldiers until he turned 30. When a Spartan went to war, his mother would hand him his heavy bronze shield and say, "With it or on it." This meant he should return either carrying the shield in victory or should be carried home dead on top of it. Dropping your shield to run away was the ultimate disgrace and he might as well not come back.

For "graduation" from home, a Spartan girl would show her athletic prowess in front of a large group, in the hope of attracting a strong husband. She would then marry. In this ceremony, she would have her head shaved and hide in a dark room (dressed in a man's cloak) where she would be symbolically kidnapped by her groom. She would then be truly running the household, including managing the money and land. She would work hard to raise strong Spartan sons to start the cycle all over again.