Spartan Society and Values

Expectations of Spartan Citizens

Sparta was a city-state extremely devoted to war. They believed that the main purpose of men was to become soldiers, and the main purpose of women was to support this. Therefore, all men were trained to join the army.

Purpose of Education in Sparta

This was the purpose of education as well. Education in Sparta was particularly good, and both men and women received it. However, men's education was heavily directed towards fighting. It had a strong physical component designed to create strong soldiers.

Training Boys to be Soldiers

On the other hand, women were expected to be strong as well, but not to participate in war. Women's role was directing and supervising the household, as well as raising children. It was assumed that these children were going to grow up to become soldiers, which made motherhood an important role.

Role of Women

Another thing that Spartans valued besides military training was resilience. Spartan people were resilient and frugal, and they admired those who practiced these values.

Final answer:

The Spartan Creed expected citizens to be devoted to military service, education in Sparta aimed to train boys as soldiers through the rigorous agoge system, women had more freedom and independence in Spartan society, and Spartans valued loyalty, discipline, and self-sacrifice.

Explanation:

The Spartan Creed outlined the expectations for Spartan citizens, which included living a life devoted to military service, prioritizing the interests of the state above individual desires, and maintaining physical fitness and discipline. The purpose of education in Sparta was to produce skilled and disciplined soldiers who could serve and protect the state. Boys were trained to be soldiers through a rigorous system known as the agoge, which involved strict physical training, combat skills, and endurance exercises.

Women in Spartan society had more freedom and independence compared to other Greek city-states. They were encouraged to participate in physical training, manage their family estates, and even speak publicly. Apart from military training, Spartans also valued loyalty to the state, discipline, obedience, and self-sacrifice for the greater good.