Education Flashcards
(17 cards)
What was the primary role of women in Spartan education?
To have children
This role underscores the Spartan emphasis on producing strong offspring.
According to Plutarch why did girls have such tough physical educations?
®“so that the products of their wombs should have a really strong start”
This reflects the Spartan belief in the importance of physical strength for both mothers and children.
What did Aristophanes refer to in relation to Spartan women in Lysistrata?
“Such rippling muscles”
This highlights the physical conditioning of women in Spartan society from an Athenian perspective
According to Xenophon, why did Spartan women not have to work?
“There were enough female slaves to produce clothing”
This indicates the economic structure and reliance on slavery in Sparta.
What concept about valor in battle is expressed by Tyrtaeus?
“It is a noble thing for a man to fall in the front line”
How did girls contribute to the education of boys in Sparta? [Plut]
They would watch boys compete and praise or mock them
This method encouraged boys to improve their performance.
What was the purpose of the Artemis Orthia ceremony? [Xen + Plut but in Plutarch’s day much more extreme]
To instill bravery and athleticism
This ceremony played a significant role in Spartan cultural education.
What was the role of the 3 Hippagretai in Spartan education? [Xen]
Each picked 100 boys to join their gang, creating competition
This highlights the competitive nature of Spartan education.
What does Xenophon describe about the obedience expected from Spartan youth?
“Running rather than walking in answer to a summons”
This indicates the strict discipline instilled in Spartan children.
What was the focus of Spartan education according to Plutarch?
“Instant obedience, endurance of pain, and military success”
These elements were crucial for preparing Spartan youth for warfare.
Why were warriors needed in Sparta?
Due to the helot threat
This necessity shaped the educational and social structure of Sparta.
How did Spartan society view children according to Plutarch?
“As the common property of the state”
This reflects the collectivist nature of Spartan culture.
What authority did fathers have over children in Sparta? [Xen]
“Equal authority over all children”
This indicates a level of equality in parental roles concerning child-rearing.
What is a notable saying about Spartans of Brasidas’ mother that reflects their warrior culture? [Plutarch Moralia]
All Spartans are like Brasidas because they’re all raised to be warriors: “Brasidas was a good man, but Sparta has many better men than he.”
What educational exemption exists for boys being raised as future kings? [Plut]
“The law exempts boys being raised as future kings from this compulsory practice” BUT Agis II went through Agoge as didn’t expect to be king
This indicates the agoge trained obedience not leadership
What type of training did Mothakes receive in Sparta? [Phylarcos]
The same education as Lakedaimonians (agoge)
This highlights the integration of non-Spartan individuals into the Spartan educational system.
What training in literacy was provided in Sparta?
Minimal training, except maybe the king
This reflects the Spartan focus on physical prowess over academic learning.
