What was the role of education of women in Spartan society?
To have children
Lykourgos emphasized tough, physical education for girls to ensure strong offspring [Plu.Lyk.14]
Who stated that girls received a tough, physical education so that their offspring would have a strong start?
Lykourgos
This is referenced in Plutarch’s Life of Lykourgos 14.
What did Aristophanes, Lysistrata describe about the physical condition of Spartan women?
“Such rippling muscles”
This highlights the emphasis on physical strength in Spartan education for women.
What was the purpose of education in Sparta regarding values?
To perpetuate values such as the right to die on the front line and the use of competition
Education instilled bravery and competition among Spartans.
According to Tyrtaeus, what is considered noble for a man?
To fall in the front line
This reflects the valorization of sacrifice in Spartan culture.
How did girls contribute to the education of boys in Sparta?
By watching boys compete and either praising or mocking them [Plut.Lyk.14]
This was intended to encourage boys to perform better.
What ceremony was used to instill bravery and athleticism in Spartan youth?
Artemis Orthia ceremony
This ceremony was significant in Spartan education as noted by Xenophon and Plutarch. However, by the time of Plutarch, it had become an extreme mockery.
What was the role of the Hippagretai in Spartan education?
3 of them each picked 100 boys to join their gang [Xen.Lak.Pol.4]
This was a source of competition among Spartan youth.
What was a critical aspect of education for obedience in Sparta?
Running rather than walking in answer to a summons [Xen.Lak.Pol.6]
This reflects the emphasis on immediate obedience in Spartan training.
What was stated about the goals of Spartan education?
Directed towards instant obedience, endurance of pain, and military success [Plutarch, Life of Lykourgos 16.6]
This highlights the militaristic focus of Spartan education.
Why were warriors necessary in Spartan society?
Due to the helot threat
Children were raised as common property to ensure a strong military.
What did Xenophon, Lak Pol 6 say about parental authority over children in Sparta?
Gave fathers equal authority over all children
This reflects the communal approach to child-rearing in Sparta.
How did Brasidas’ mother describe all Spartans in relation to warriors?
All raised to be warriors as “Sparta has many better men than he” [Plut.Moralia.Sayings of Lacadaemonians]
This indicates the uniformity in Spartan upbringing.
What did Lycurgus believe about children in Sparta?
They were the common property of the state [Plut.Lyk.15]
This reflects the collectivist nature of Spartan society.
What was the education equality principle regarding Mothakes?
Mothakes had the same education as Lakedaimonians (agoge) [Phylarcos]
This indicates some level of educational equality in Sparta.
Who was exempt from compulsory education practices in Sparta?
Boys being raised as future kings
This exemption is noted by Plutarch in Life of Agesilaos 1.
What was the level of literacy training provided to Spartans, except kings?
Minimal training in literacy
This suggests a focus on physical training over academic education.
Why did women not have domestic roles?
“There were enough female slaves to produce clothing” [Xen.Lak.Pol.1]
