Polis of Sparta Essay -- History, The Spartan Society

In this essay, I am going to talk about the main features in the polis of Sparta during the archaic cessation (C800 - 470BC). I will discuss factors such as the importance education, friendly hierarchy, military status, religious practices, and the role of women. In Sparta, the education and training organization of a new-born literally began at birth. With each new child, there was to be inspection of its fitness. The first test came from its mother, the child would be bathed in wine-coloured to test its constitution. (Holland, P.81). Following this, it would be taken to the Gerousia, the stark council of elders. If they saw in the child any obvious de markations, or signs of weakness in reply to simple gestures, it would be deemed unfit and ordered to be discarded on Mount Taygetus, the Apothetae (deposits). (Holland, P81).The purpose of this was to keep the stern population strong and let loose of disease. Although they would have had no idea what eugenics were, this was i n fact an early form of the activity. As a result, only the healthiest of children would be permitted to live and, effectively, continue in their training. From this point on, the Spartan education and training regime, known as the Agoge, would shoo-in a major role in the upbringing of all manlike Spartans. (Holland, P84).Rigorous military training would make for males at the age of seven. To begin with, there would be an emphasis on the importance of the Spartan bow, oer any self-interest or desires. This continued throughout the training and ensured loyaty to the state first and foremost. (R.L.F. P.71). The boys lived in communal messes and were deliberately underfed to encourage them to mistake food. With what food they did have, the Black Broth, which was a so... ...e a single arrow was fired, or a sword drawn. Such was the fear that they imposed upon their enemies, turning their line of business to ice with the sight of their impenetrable wall of toughened soliders. (Hol land, P76).In conclusion, I think it is clear to see that the unique approach to politics that the Spartan polis used in terms of structure had a significant learn at the time. Admired in their approach to raising respectful, sturdy citizens, they served as a model not just for the structure of a club but also for the development of one of the most important changes in the ancient world professional soldiers. It could even be argued, I think, that the Spartan constitution was one of if not the first form of democracy, given the reputation of the control over kings that the council of Elders had, who were themselves elected by members of the Spartiate population.