Education of Boys Flashcards
(32 cards)
What did boys not learn?
Much reading or writing, any literature or philosophy,
How much did they learn to read?
Only enough to train them for basic literacy.
What did they learn?
They spent time developing physical strength and obedience. Musical was also important.
What were boys taught to do with music?
They were taught the value of precise movement and teamwork, which would be vital in situations when they were grown up.
Who were Eirenes?
19-20 year old Spartans who had recently graduated from the Agoge.
He was the paidonomos?
He was the headmaster of the Agoge, he was always a Spartan warrior with a great record.
What happened as soon as a baby was born?
It was inspected by a committee of elders and if considered too weak or deformed, it was left to die of exposure on the slopes of Mt Taygetus.
What happened if they weren’t left to die as babies?
They had to survive a harsh infancy.
Why were babies bathed in wine not water?
It was believed to be a test for epilepsy.
What else happened to babies?
They were often left in the dark on their own.
As babies grew up what weren’t they allowed to be?
Fussy with their food.
Why did Spartans do this to their babies?
They didn’t want weak babies as they wouldn’t be great warrior.
What happened to a boy at age seven?
He was sent off to the city’s boarding school known as the Agoge.
Where did the boys live?
In communal barracks and were divided into packs, each led by prefects, known as Eirenes.
What were boys constantly under?
Supervision.
What could the Eirenes do?
They were armed with whips, and could punish boys for any offence.
At what age did training become intense?
14.
Why did boys train barefoot?
So they could run faster, scale heights more easily and clamber down cliffs.
How many cloaks were they allowed per year?
One - whatever the weather.
What was boys appearance like?
They cut their hair short and generally played naked.
Why was food rationed?
To make them used to doing without as on military campaign it would be like that.
What was the result of this rationing?
Forced to steal to get more. If they were caught they were beaten for stealing carelessly.
At this age what were boys given?
A male lover who acted as a role model.
If the youth cried out, who was punished?
The older lover.
