1. Spartiate and Perioeci
Spartan society was divided into Spartiates (full citizens), perioeci (free non-citizens), and helots (serfs). Spartiates were the ruling class and held most of the political power.
2. Red Cloaks
Spartans were known for wearing red cloaks which were believed to make them appear more fearsome in battle.
3. Spartan Mothers
Spartan mothers were known for their famous farewell to their sons before battle, telling them to return with their shields or on them, implying victory or death.
4. Spartan Law
Spartan laws were attributed to the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus, who was said to have established the Spartan way of life. These laws were strict and aimed at maintaining the stability of Spartan society.
5. Lack of Written Records
Unlike other ancient Greek city-states, Sparta produced very few written records, leading to a reliance on accounts from other Greek sources for much of what is known about Spartan history.
6. Agriculture
While Sparta was known for its military focus, agriculture was also crucial to its economy. The land was divided among the citizens, and they were expected to work the land themselves or oversee the Helots who did the farming.
7. Laconic Speech
Spartans were known for their terse and concise speech, a characteristic that gave rise to the term "laconic." This trait reflected their emphasis on brevity and efficiency in communication.
A famous example of laconic speech comes from the Spartan response to Philip II of Macedon. When Philip threatened, "If I invade Laconia, you will be destroyed, never to rise again," the Spartans simply replied, "If."
8. Spartan Constitution (Great Rhetra)
The Spartan constitution, known as the Great Rhetra, was attributed to the semi-legendary lawgiver Lycurgus. It established the political institutions and customs of Sparta, including the division of land among citizens and the role of the Gerousia and Apella.
9. Spartan Messes
Spartan society was organized into messes (syssitia), communal dining groups where men ate together. These messes were composed of groups of men of similar age and social standing and were intended to foster camaraderie and unity among soldiers.
10. Spartan Crypteia
The Crypteia was a secretive institution in Spartan society where young men, known as the kryptes, were tasked with clandestine activities such as surveillance and policing. This served as a form of training and preparation for future military leadership.One of the final tests of a young Spartan's training was the Crypteia, where they were sent into the countryside to kill helots deemed potentially dangerous to Spartan society.
11. Religion
Spartan religion was centered around the worship of gods such as Zeus, Athena, and Artemis. However, their religious practices were often intertwined with military rituals and ceremonies, reflecting the importance of warfare in Spartan culture.
12. Treatment of Weak Infants
Spartan society had a practice known as the examination of newborns, where infants deemed weak or unfit were left to die. This practice was intended to ensure the strength and vitality of the Spartan population.
13. Spartan Colonization
Despite its focus on military matters, Sparta engaged in colonization efforts, establishing colonies in various regions, including Italy and Asia Minor. These colonies served as strategic outposts and helped expand Spartan influence.
14. Spartan Agoge
The agoge was the rigorous education and training system through which Spartan boys passed from childhood to adulthood. It instilled discipline, endurance, and loyalty to the state, shaping Spartans into formidable warriors.