Originating from a warrior code, that of which initiate young soldiers into a life of physical excellence, also said to be in dedication of Apollo, thanking him for military success. The very word, Gymnopaedia relates to a festival that originates from two Greek words meaning ‘unarmed’ and ‘to dance’. The five-day annual event, held in the agora, consist of athletic competitions and musical events held under tough conditions proving the strength of the Spartan citizens to their onlookers. The festival also included a choir of boys who sang of great deeds, that they were to undertake when grown up, and in fighting, the test of endurance in the hot summer. The Gymnopaedia, was an exclusive festive, of which banned unmarried men from participating in it, it is unclear at what age youth had to marry by. Those who did not follow the standards of Sparta, were excluded from the event too.
The Kings were the highest power of authority in Sparta, descending from the two royal families Agaid and Eurypontid. Having survived throughout its history, the dual kingship was unlike any other seen throughout the ancient city-states of Greece, where monarchies were overthrown. The two hereditary, co-equal kings, who held office for life were at the head of the Spartan state; and were require to fulfil numerous roles. The dual kingship kept the authority in order, this in hope to prevent tyranny or dictatorship; Aristotle describes them as an ‘Independent and Permanent Generalship’.
The Kings were also the chief priests of Sparta, believed to be descendents of Zeus and the Dioscuri. They had the honour of being the priests of the Dioscuri cult too. Kings performed the religious sacrifices, regularly on the 1st and 7th of each month to Zeus on behalf of the people and also at festivals, before battles and funerals. This privilege also allowed them to keep the hides of the animal. Kings also appointed the pithoi who travelled to Delphi and were in charge of keeping the oracles. Overall Kings were responsible for the happiness of the Gods; if there was instability or disaster struck the Kings were often blamed. They ruled as long as the Gods pleased, with every 9 years the Ephors checked for divine signs of disapproval.
Control of the helots was a major part of Spartan social structure, as they were foundational to Eunomia, and due to their large population, the economy and militaristic society was reliant on their enslavement. The Helots had a little to no political rights and were considered to be Messenians; whose land the Spartans conquered. The Helots worked the land, and did the majority of the menial labour, allowing the Spartans to concentrate on military training. The Syssitia, Krypteia and the military conducted the control of the helots. According to Xenophon, helots were often publicly humiliated by their masters and were often required to fight in foreign wars, be subjected to random killings by the Krypteia if found roaming at night, were selected for public beatings as an inducement of control and order, and had war declared on them annually by newly elected magistrates.
The Krypteia was one method of control, and the most common method, it was also otherwise known as the secret police of Sparta. According to Plutarch, it was had to of been established by Lycurgus, and had the job of killing the helots who ‘stood out in physique and strength’. At the age of eighteen, youths in the Agoge were co-opted by the Krypteia to murder those helots that wondered out at night to take their food. Plutarch also referring to the young men of the secret police, having been armed with daggers and being sent out by magistrates, to ‘maintain peace’ with the helots. Although it was the physically superior helots of those whom had shown bravery in battle that were rewarded, and then later disappeared- it was unknown however it they were possibly ‘culled’ by the Krypteia.
The military had the proclaimed duty of a Spartiate, whose aim was to protect the state against the helot rebellion, and when at war held the helots as military servants. While the Syssitia, was a company of about fifteen men according to Plutarch, that the helots produced masses of food for; which then was provided by the Spartiate members of each Sysstition. They were made up of men all ages, and most typically applied to join around the age of 23 once they had completed the Agoge. Each Spartiate was required to supply an qual portion of food for the Syssitita, and if they failed to do so, they would deny their membership and lose their citizenship. This practice was of great significance in Spartan life, as it built the bonds of the soldiers, becoming each others family. This developing loyalty among the men, which meant when it came to fight, they were more likely to defend their ‘brothers’.
Everyday life for Spartiates revolved around military training and exercise. Spartan men’s main activity was preparing strategies and strength, while women trained for motherhood rather than combat.
There were other elements of leisure in Spartan life such as hunting, as seen in source N, poetry, mousike, dancing, literature, horseriding. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of horses in spartan life, particularly with Women.
Religious festivals were considered a leisure activity in being a rare occasion to enjoy food and ‘let their hair down’. Athletic games were often linked with festivals, such as the Gymnopaedia, where competitions of running, wrestling and throwing were competed. The Heraea games were especially for women, as well as the nationwide Olympics.
Sparta and Messenia lay on fertile plains so there was always a sufficient supply of food. It was mainly plain and austere flavours according to Xenophon, as indulgence and luxury was a condemned lifestyle. The diets mainly included bread and barley, basic vegetables like cabbage, cheese, figs, grapes, olives and some meats and fish. These were provided by each member of the syssitia in equal portions. Meat came from sheep, goats, hare and wild boar. The infamous blood sausage was also a local delicacy. Hunting was not only a sufficient way of providing food, but also considered a sport in Ancient Sparta, Source N, a Laconian cup portraying the hunt of a boar, clearly identifies that hunting was a major part within Spartan society.
Spartans dressed in clothing appropriate for their military training and exercise. Lycurgus’ reforms banned luxury which lavish coats/clothing. Young Agoge boys likely exercise naked and were given one cloak per year, adult men wore their hoplite outfits, while women wore the Peplos to allow their legs free movement. For more formal occasions, men were a basic Chiton made of linen or wool, pinned at the shoulders and belted at the waist. Red was Sparta’s signature colour made from Murex dye, but this was only worn on their Hoplite cloaks.
For social outings Spartan women were a full length chiton also and were forbidden to wear makeup, perfume or jewellry. The Helots and perioikoi likely wore clothing suitable for the labouring work, like a basic half length chiton.
Marriage in Sparta was different to many other Greek cities, with women married ‘when they are ripe for it’ (Plutarch) rather than at such a young age like most traditional greek women. The bizarre ritual of marriage is recorded by Plutarch which reflects a kidnapping like situation. As spartan men still slept in the barracks until they were 30, and had to attend the Syssitia every night, marriage was often done in secret and a couple could have spent years hiding their marriage away and even having children before seeing each other in daylight.
Bridesmaids apparently shaved a bride’s head and dressed her like a man, and left her alone in a room. The man would sneak in, have sex with her, and then slip away back to the barracks. Sex was meant to be in moderation so partners were fresh and physically ready, and Spartans also believed that vigorous love produced the strongest babies.
Polygamy was permitted in sparta, to produce the most superior babies by mixing the genes of the best warriors with the strongest women.
The Occupation of a Spartan man was a warrior. Being banned from all manual labour meant their work consisted of dedication and service to the Spartan ethos. They could also gain positions in politics such as Ephor and Gerousia, or supervisors of the Agoge in the Eiren stage.
Women’s job was to be a mother and raise her children under the Spartan ethos. She was the main educator of her girls, while she also introduced her sons to Spartan ways until they went away to the barracks of the Agoge.
Perioikoi were the main tradesmen, craftsmen, miners and labourers in Sparta.
Helots farmed the Kleroi while also doing domestic maid work.