Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. At the height of its power and influence in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C.E., roughly how many hoplites (full citizen-soldiers) could the Spartan army field at any given time?
2. A Spartan's life depended on his shield. It was primarily used for defense but in the hands of a skilled Spartan hoplite it was also a fearsome and effective offensive weapon given the right situation. What was this shield called?
3. The shield and spear were the two most important pieces of equipment for a Spartan hoplite. What was this spear called?
4. The Spartan soldier (hoplite) looked similar to the hoplites of other Greek city-states with the exception of their cloak and long hair. What was the color associated with the Spartan hoplite's cloak? (Their tunics were the same color).
5. The Spartans decorated their shield with this Greek letter. What was the symbol on the shield of all Spartan hoplites?
6. A well-known movie depicts Spartans wearing very little in terms of protection with only a shield, helmet, and greaves. What essential piece of armor did the movie omit that was likely part of the basic armor setup for Greek Hoplites of this time period?
7. Spartan youths were taken from their families to begin military training at age seven. The Spartans called this school the Agoge. Boys were relentlessly trained to fight and endure severe hardship to prepare them for military life as an adult. At what age did Spartan men assume their role as a full member of the military?
8. Spartans retired from active military service at the age of thirty. However, they remained a part of the active military reserve until what age?
9. Some say they were outfought. Some say they were outmaneuvered. Still other accounts claim their famous refusal to retreat was their downfall when an orderly withdrawal might have saved the day. Regardless, the Spartan army was soundly defeated and their ability to project their power throughout Greece was crippled after this battle. What was the Greek city-state was victorious over Sparta on that day in 371 BC?
10. When Phillip II and his son Alexander were conquering Greece they eventually overcame all resistance from the city-states and brought most Greeks into the Macedonian empire. All except the Spartans. Although an invasion of Sparta was never attempted by Phillip II or Alexander, legend has it that when Philip II sent a message to Sparta saying "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta," the Spartans replied with one word. What was that word?
Source: Author
VoodooChile71
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bloomsby before going online.
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