Spartan society brings the world of ancient Greece back to life in an informative way.

The city of Lacedaemon more commonly known as Sparta, lies in the fertile valley of the Eurotas River. It is encircled by the mountain ranges of Taygetos to the west and Parnon to the east, situated in the Peloponnese. The Lacedaemonians were the first full time professional army in ancient Greece and were truly an elite force, as a result of their intense training. The old adage practice makes perfect certainly was true of the Spartans. The entire constitution was organised to promote military virtue under the laws of Lycurgus.

Spartan training started from very young age, boys aged seven were required by law to leave their family and attend Agoge. Even before this as babies their fate was determined by the elders. If they were the right material they would be reared, but if they appeared weak they would be left to die in a gorge on mount Taygetos. At home boys ate plain food, were taught to be fearless, not to be afraid of the dark or being left alone. At the age of seven a young Spartan would be enrolled in a pack, where he would be taught how to read and write. Also drilled in gymnastics, running, jumping, throwing of discuss and spear, taught to endure pain, hardship, hunger, thirst, cold, fatigue and lack of sleep without complaining. They walked bare footed, had to sleep on reed mats which were cut from the banks of the river Eurotas. They were fed on a meagre diet of Malass zomas (pig’s blood). Taught to know military poems written by Tyrtaios by heart, also how to dance and recite Homer. To laconise to waste no words when speaking and get straight to the point.

This training continued in the Spartan army from the age of twenty to sixty-five years old. This coming of age would mean acceptance into a common mess (Sussitia or Syssition) of fifteen comrades and one officer. On campaign this group would be called Syskenoi or tent companions. An older hoplite (man bearing arms) would be paired up with a younger less experienced hoplite. This method is still used in modern armies.

The Spartan army would have been at the forefront in terms of military technology. Seven Lochi represented the army which we are told by Herodotus numbered between 8, 000 hoplites at the battle of Plataea in 479 BC.
Four Pentekostis = One Lochos.

Four Enomotia = One Pentecostis.
Four Phyles = One Enomotia.

Some units were called half Phyles. However manpower shortage changed the disposition to include Perioikoi (outside dwellers) in a new formation called a Mora. Strategy during the Peloponnesian war led to this. Xenophon describes the Mora in his constitution of the Lakedaimonians published in 371 BC.

The most famous battle where Spartan valour was at its finest was, of course Thermopylae in 480 BC. This is where we see the Agiad, the knight’s class bodyguards, ((Hippeis) numbering 300 make their last stand. Along with king Leonidas their bravery and self sacrifice has echoed down the centuries, inspiring all those who read of their epic endeavour. They were not just 300, many people often overlook that 2,120 Arcadians, 400 Corinthians, 200 Phleious, 80 Mycenae, 700 Thespians, 400 Thebans, 1000 Phokians and around 1000 Opountian Locrians were also in this battle.
This advance guard (prodromoi-out runners) showed great courage (Andreia). Once the Persian forces had outflanked them via the Anopaia path descending over mount Kallidromos, they knew their fate was sealed. King Leonidas ordered the other Greeks to withdraw, while the remainder of the depleted Spartans, Thespians and Thebans remained behind to sell them selves costly on the battlefield. As a last attempt to delay Xerxes Persian forces. The rest they say is history, Leonidas died gallantly.
To mark their efforts a monument at Thermopylae reads ‘O xein angellein Lakedaimonians hoti tede Keimetha tois keinon rhemasi peithomenoi’.’ Oh stranger tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here obedient to our laws’. A lasting epitaph to King Leonidas and the brave 300.
 

Kranoi- 

  Linothorax-

Aspis-

Dory- 

Kneimedes-                   

Xiphos-                  

The Spartan society (UK) is always seeking liked minded individuals with an interest in ancient Greek history.

Contact details:

Xenaphon on 024 76614138

Heracles (Rob) based at the Lunt Fort on 024 76303567

Affiliated to the International Association of Greek Hoplites Organisation.

In remembrance Of our friend

 Thespian Hoplite Paul Allan.

Paul's last message regarding the Sheffield Fayre 2007. Members of the Spartan Society took part, including the children of Xenophon (Scott Seal) who are given a special mention. This year's Festival took place in Sheffield's Norfolk Heritage Park (UK) on Sunday and Monday, the 26th and 27th of August, as part of Sheffield Fayre, organised by Howard Giles of EventPlan. Our presence was small, but of the highest quality, as usual. We had many positive comments about how splendid we all looked, and lots of people taking photographs. The static display attracted large numbers of people, many of whom, especially those from the Orient, wanted their photo taken with us. Though naturally shy and retiring, we willingly obliged them. Our house-style tent and "sail" shelter provided a very authentic backdrop for our displays of panoplies - additional to those we were wearing. Many people expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about our period, saying they had known very little, previously. On the other hand, it was gratifying to note that some people came to us already well-informed and looking to learn more, often with a view to taking up re-enactment. In particular, the comment, "That's a Scythian!" made a welcome change from, "There are the Romans." Thanks to Cristi Kingdon, who played our mercenary archer. Our authentic cooking display also attracted a great deal of interest. Having come together as a group for the first time, we needed to practise hard at drill, especially since we try to give as many commands as possible in Classical Greek and newcomers have to learn these very quickly. Our training sessions in the small arena attracted many spectators, often other re-enactors. I was impressed by the willingness of all our participants to drill and drill until they got it right and, indeed, by how quickly they reached a creditable standard. We were able, during our spot in the main arena, to give a demonstration of marching in column, deploying into line, advancing in close order, taking up attack posture and preparing a defence against cavalry.

It was here, too, that I was able to thank, publicly, all those who contributed to this co-operative display by separate groups; Angelos Angelidis, a native Greek, from France; Paul Houston, a Scot, from Germany; Scott and Alan from the Spartan Society of Coventry and Steven Senior and Cristi Kingdon, representing, with me, the Hoplite Association of the UK. Special mention should also be made of Scott's children, Emma, Cameron and Leonidas, who added another dimension to all our displays, that of family life. At seven, six and five, respectively, they were amazingly well-behaved and valuable throughout the show. Each day, a Grand Parade took place and, this being done in chronological order, the International Ancient Greek Organisation led it. We wanted to take the children with us and took the risky option of putting them in the lead. They were very pleased and proud to be given this responsibility and carried it out in exemplary fashion, winning the hearts of the audiences and approving comments from the organisers. They set an example to the children in the audience by keeping still and silent during the minute's silence for those lost in current conflicts. I look forward to the time when we will be able to field sufficent Hoplites to give a demonstration of small-scale phalanx combat. The dedication of our members at Sheffield will ensure that Ancient Greeks are in demand for other events. I would like to thank Howard Giles for inviting us and the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies for their assistance in funding travel for our overseas visitors. Finally, I would like to thank the kind gentleman who presented us with his copy of "Warfare in the Classical World", by John Warry. This will be the foundation of an IAGO Library.