Culture: Sparta at War in the 5th Century

The Spartan Military System

Hoplite warfare was the main form of conflict in Ancient Greece, involving heavy infantry known as hoplites. Spartan soldiers were regarded as the finest hoplites of their era.
Agoge-training: This was a rigorous program that all male Spartan citizens underwent from the age of seven. The agoge trained them physically and mentally, emphasising loyalty to Sparta, discipline, endurance, and martial prowess.
Spartan soldiers (Spartiates): These were full Spartan citizens and the only men who could serve in the army. Each Spartiate was expected to devote their life to military service.
Perioikoi and Helots: The Spartiates were supported by two other classes; the Perioikoi, free non-citizen inhabitants of Sparta, who could serve as light-infantry or cavalry, and the Helots, a large population of serfs tied to the land, who would serve as reserve forces and war attendants.

The Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC): In this significant battle, 300 Spartans and a small force of other Greeks held off the massive Persian army for three days, displaying Spartan courage and martial skill.
The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC): This was a major war fought between Sparta and the Delian League led by Athens. Sparta’s land forces were unparalleled, but their lack of a strong navy was a weakness.
Battle of Plataea (479 BC): The largest ever hoplite army, of which the Spartans were a part, successfully defeated the Persians, ending their invasion of Greece.

Phalanx - This was a close-rank, deep formation of infantry armed with long spears and interlocking shields that was central to the victories Spartans won in battles.
Divide and Conquer: Sparta often sought to divide its enemies, using diplomatic tactics to break up alliances against them.
Avoiding Open Battle: Due to the small size of the Spartiate class, they could ill-afford major losses, so Sparta would sometimes avoid open battle if victory wasn’t certain.

War and the military system were central to Spartan life. Discipline, modesty, austerity and courage were highly valued Spartan virtues that were also important on the battlefield.
The constant fear of a Helot revolt was a key factor in Sparta’s militaristic society. Spartan males were trained to be vigilant and ready for war at all times.
War was seen as a part of Spartan law. The rhetra (Spartan constitution) stated that no man was above service to the state, and Spartan men were expected to be soldiers first and always.