Sparta: Education
In Sparta, the purpose of education was to produce capable men and women who could fight to protect the city-state. Spartans were likely to abandon sickly infants who might not grow up to be strong soldiers.
Spartans highly valued discipline and strength. From the age of 7, all Spartan children trained for battle. Girls also received some military and a great deal of physical fitness training, which included wrestling, boxing, footracing, and gymnastics. Spartan boys lived and trained in buildings called barracks. Although both girls and boys learned to read and write (girls were taught at home by their mothers), those skills were not considered as essential as military skills. The most important Spartan goal was to be a brave soldier, including suffering physical pain without complaining. For example, boys marched without shoes. They were also not well fed; in fact, they were encouraged to steal food as long as they did not get caught.
One Spartan legend tells of a boy who was so hungry, he stole a fox to eat. But seeing his teacher coming, the boy quickly hid the fox under his cloak. The boy chose to let the fox bite him rather than be caught stealing by his teacher.
At about the age of 20, Spartan men were given a difficult test of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. If they passed, they became Spartan soldiers and full citizens. Even then, they continued to live in soldiers’ barracks where they ate, slept, and trained with their classmates. A man could not live at home with his wife and family until he reached 30 years old.
At the age of 60, Spartan men could retire from the army.
Spartans highly valued discipline and strength. From the age of 7, all Spartan children trained for battle. Girls also received some military and a great deal of physical fitness training, which included wrestling, boxing, footracing, and gymnastics. Spartan boys lived and trained in buildings called barracks. Although both girls and boys learned to read and write (girls were taught at home by their mothers), those skills were not considered as essential as military skills. The most important Spartan goal was to be a brave soldier, including suffering physical pain without complaining. For example, boys marched without shoes. They were also not well fed; in fact, they were encouraged to steal food as long as they did not get caught.
One Spartan legend tells of a boy who was so hungry, he stole a fox to eat. But seeing his teacher coming, the boy quickly hid the fox under his cloak. The boy chose to let the fox bite him rather than be caught stealing by his teacher.
At about the age of 20, Spartan men were given a difficult test of fitness, military ability, and leadership skills. If they passed, they became Spartan soldiers and full citizens. Even then, they continued to live in soldiers’ barracks where they ate, slept, and trained with their classmates. A man could not live at home with his wife and family until he reached 30 years old.
At the age of 60, Spartan men could retire from the army.
abandon (verb)
To leave someone or something behind, especially in a place where they are not safe.
Example Sentence: The dog was abandoned by its owner and had to find a new home.
discipline (noun)
The ability to control yourself and follow rules.
Example Sentence: The teacher taught the students about discipline and how to behave in class.
essential (adjective)
Very important or necessary.
Example Sentence: It is essential to eat healthy foods to stay healthy.
legend (noun)
A story that has been passed down through generations, often about a famous person or event.
Example Sentence: The legend of King Arthur is a famous story about a brave knight.
retire (verb)
To stop working, especially after reaching a certain age.
Example Sentence: My grandfather retired from his job when he turned 65.
To leave someone or something behind, especially in a place where they are not safe.
Example Sentence: The dog was abandoned by its owner and had to find a new home.
discipline (noun)
The ability to control yourself and follow rules.
Example Sentence: The teacher taught the students about discipline and how to behave in class.
essential (adjective)
Very important or necessary.
Example Sentence: It is essential to eat healthy foods to stay healthy.
legend (noun)
A story that has been passed down through generations, often about a famous person or event.
Example Sentence: The legend of King Arthur is a famous story about a brave knight.
retire (verb)
To stop working, especially after reaching a certain age.
Example Sentence: My grandfather retired from his job when he turned 65.