Was military mandatory for Spartan men?

Military service was compulsory for men aged 20 to 40; from there, for the next 20 years, it was a reprieve to being placed on reserve duty. When Sparta needed the most fighting men, it called on men as old as 65. The very next fight Sparta picked with another city-state went not the way of Sparta.

Why was Sparta forced to become a military state?

In the eighth century B.C., Sparta needed more fertile land to support a booming population, so it decided to take over and use the fertile land of its neighbors, the Messenians. Inevitably, the result was war.

How were Spartan kings chosen?

Oligarchy– Sparta always had two kings, the state was ruled by two hereditary kings of the Agiad and Eurypontid families (probably the two gens had great merits in the conquest of Laconia). The elders were elected by the Assembly from among the oldest Spartan champions.

When did Spartan men actually join the military?

At age 20, Spartan males became full-time soldiers, and remained on active duty until age 60.

Did 300 Spartans really happen?

In short, not as much as suggested. It is true there were only 300 Spartan soldiers at the battle of Thermopylae but they were not alone, as the Spartans had formed an alliance with other Greek states. It is thought that the number of ancient Greeks was closer to 7,000. The size of the Persian army is disputed.

Did Persia conquer Sparta?

The Persian forces stayed primarily on land, which made Sparta safer than other Greek cities for a period of time, because the Persians would have to take to the sea in order to conquer them.

Did Spartans keep records?

Since the Spartans did not record as much about their lives as did the people of other Greek city-states, it is also very possible that much of their literature was orally transmitted and lost to time. However, the names of two of Sparta’s greatest poets have survived.

Did the Spartans have a military?

The Spartan military in closing. While not fond of marching, the Spartans still did. Also not the biggest fans of the oceans, the Spartans still however had a navy. Fond of fighting, and the Spartans excelled at this.

Did spartaians retire?

Given the warlike nature of life in ancient Sparta, it was surprising to think they even had a notion of retirement, but they truly did. If a Spartan man would live his life to the age of sixty he would be considered retired.

How old were Spartan women when they became citizens?

At age 30, they became full citizens of Sparta, provided they had served honorably. They were required to continue serving the military, however, until age 60. Unlike their Athenian counterparts, Spartan girls also went to school at age seven. There they learned gymnastics, wrestling, and did calisthenics.

What privileges did a Spartan man have?

After turning thirty the Spartan man become a full citizen of the might state, and as such they were granted various privileges. The newly granted status meant the Spartan man could live at his home, most of the Spartans were farmers but the helots would work the land for them.