Spartiates

Definition

Spartiates were the full citizens of Sparta, a warrior society in ancient Greece, who had undergone rigorous military training and enjoyed the highest social status within Spartan society. They played a crucial role in maintaining the military-oriented culture of Sparta, which was centered around discipline, strength, and loyalty. Spartiates were distinct from other social classes such as the helots, who were essentially serfs, and contributed significantly to Sparta's military dominance and its unique governance structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Only about 10% of Sparta's population were Spartiates, while the rest included helots and other non-citizen residents.
2. Spartiates were required to complete the Agoge training to become full citizens, which began in childhood and focused on developing skills necessary for warfare.
3. They were expected to serve in the Spartan army from a young age until they were around 60 years old, showcasing their commitment to military service.
4. Spartiates lived a disciplined life with strict laws governing their conduct, including communal dining arrangements that reinforced unity and equality among them.
5. Due to their focus on military training, Spartiates often neglected agriculture and trade, relying heavily on the labor provided by helots.

Review Questions

• How did the role of Spartiates shape the overall structure and values of Spartan society?
  • Spartiates were central to the warrior ethos of Spartan society, embodying its values of discipline, loyalty, and military prowess. Their rigorous training through the Agoge instilled a sense of camaraderie and equality among them while emphasizing their duty to serve as soldiers. This created a society that prioritized military readiness and strength over other pursuits, impacting every aspect of Spartan life from governance to social hierarchy.
• Discuss the implications of having a large population of helots for the Spartiates and their way of life.
  • The reliance on a large population of helots for agricultural labor allowed Spartiates to focus on their military training and roles as soldiers. However, this dependence also created a precarious situation; helots outnumbered Spartiates significantly, leading to constant fears of rebellion. As a result, Spartiates lived with an underlying tension in their society, which necessitated strict control measures over the helots to maintain their dominance.
• Evaluate how the societal structure involving Spartiates influenced Sparta's conflicts with neighboring city-states like Athens.
  • The societal structure in Sparta, dominated by the Spartiates' military focus and reliance on helots for labor, significantly influenced its conflicts with city-states such as Athens. The contrasting values—Sparta’s militaristic approach versus Athens’ emphasis on culture and democracy—led to tensions that culminated in wars like the Peloponnesian War. The rigidity of Spartan society made it less adaptable to change compared to Athens, ultimately impacting their strategies and outcomes in these conflicts.

Related terms

Helots: A subjugated population in Sparta that worked the land and served the Spartiates, forming the backbone of the Spartan economy.

Agoge:

The rigorous education and training program for male Spartans that emphasized physical fitness, discipline, and combat skills.

Gerousia:

The council of elders in Sparta, consisting of the two kings and 28 other men over the age of 60, which held significant power in governance.