S.1: SPARTA: Education in Sparta

Question 1

Agoge

Answer 1

Training educational system, boys 7-30, at 20 became a part of the 300/hippeis, could also become eirene (Plutarch)

Question 2

Hippeis

Answer 2

The military unit of 300 of Sparta’s best, also act as kings bodyguard

Question 3

Plutarch quote on agoge

Answer 3

It was a harsh and painful way of life but one which taught young boys to be obedient - it was this that led to Sparta being dubbed ‘man-breaking’.

Question 4

Kyrpteia

Answer 4

Young group armed with daggers, punish disobedient helots
Plato; affords a wonderfully severe training in hardihood

Question 5

Women

Answer 5

Would train to produce healthy and fit children (Plutarch) wrestle and javelin (Xenophon)

Question 6

Sources for women

Answer 6

Bronze statue depicting a girl running holding her skirt 6th Century
Plato; In these states it is not only the men who think highly of education, but also the women.

Question 7

Values of Sparta

Answer 7

State before life/patriotism, Spartans are all equal, Obedience, Self restraint, Bravery

Question 8

Source for obedience

Answer 8

Plutarch; knowledge of how to rule and be ruled

Question 9

Source for bravery

Answer 9

Xenophon; a little pain means long term gain in fame and delight, idleness brings the least reward and the greatest supply of troubles