Spartan mother telling her son to return with his shield or on it

Definition

This phrase encapsulates the Spartan ideal of valor in battle, emphasizing the expectation that soldiers should either return victorious, carrying their shield, or die honorably on the battlefield. It reflects the harsh realities of Spartan society, where courage and loyalty to the state were paramount, particularly in the context of warfare and military prowess.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The saying underscores the importance of honor and bravery in Spartan culture, where returning without one's shield was seen as disgraceful.
2. In Sparta, mothers played a vital role in shaping the attitudes of their sons towards war and duty, often instilling a strong sense of pride in their martial responsibilities.
3. The Spartan military system relied heavily on hoplite soldiers who fought in phalanx formations, making the effectiveness of each individual soldier crucial to collective success.
4. Spartan society valued strength and discipline above all else, promoting an environment where fear of shame and dishonor motivated young men to excel in battle.
5. This phrase has become emblematic of not just Spartan values but also reflects broader themes in ancient warfare regarding masculinity and societal expectations of male warriors.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'return with your shield or on it' illustrate the cultural values of Sparta regarding warfare?
  • The phrase illustrates Sparta's deep-rooted cultural values that prioritized courage, honor, and loyalty above all else. It signifies that any retreat or failure to uphold these values was unacceptable, as it brought shame not only upon oneself but also upon one's family and city-state. The pressure to adhere to these standards was ingrained from a young age through rigorous training and education.
• Discuss the role of Spartan mothers in shaping the identities of their sons as warriors and their expectations regarding honor in battle.
  • Spartan mothers played a crucial role in shaping their sons' identities by instilling values related to honor and bravery. They often encouraged their sons to embrace their roles as warriors and to take pride in their responsibilities to protect Sparta. By emphasizing that death in battle was preferable to shame from retreating, mothers influenced the mindset of Spartan men and reinforced societal expectations around masculinity and military valor.
• Evaluate the implications of Spartan military culture on broader ancient Greek warfare practices and societal norms concerning masculinity and heroism.
  • Spartan military culture significantly influenced broader ancient Greek warfare practices by promoting ideals of collective strength through formations like the phalanx while emphasizing individual honor among soldiers. This strong sense of duty shaped societal norms concerning masculinity, wherein bravery in battle became a defining characteristic of manhood across various Greek city-states. Furthermore, the reverence for heroic sacrifice established by Spartans echoed through Greek literature and history, influencing how subsequent generations viewed warfare and heroism.

Related terms

Agoge: The rigorous education and training regimen for Spartan boys, designed to instill discipline, physical fitness, and martial skills from a young age.

Phalanx: A tactical formation used by ancient Greek armies, including the Spartans, where soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a formidable wall of shields and spears.

Eugeneia: The concept of noble birth and good breeding in ancient Greece, which was crucial in Spartan society for ensuring that only the fittest individuals contributed to the warrior class.