Sparta - now militant state, the soldiers who had long kept at bay than one ancient state.Some countries felt that this is possible only through supernatural forces.It was believed that it is impossible to defeat the Spartans.But in fact, the main reason for the victory of militant state was special training citizens.
Education Spartans as the soldiers was the most important task, which is becoming the ruler.We can not say that the government is always ready to aggressive campaigns.The Spartans wanted peace, but at the same time they were afraid to lose the conquered lands: Eurotas valley and the plain of Messinia.And to protect these areas does not come from neighbors who have lost them, but by slaves who constantly dreamed of freedom.Given the connection with Doric communities Sparta participated in the march on Athens.In addition, many states have repeatedly Ancient World went to war against a powerful state and tried to grab it.Therefore, the government required to prepare soldiers to protect the state from external as well as internal enemies.
Especially for this system has been developed education Spartans, according to which the citizens of Sparta could not live apart from each other, they had to serve the country, to listen to their commander.Thus, with the birth of the boys considered not as sons, but as the students of the entire society.
agoge starts with the birth of the child.Every newborn boy showed the so-called doctors, who were experts in physical health.If they determine that the child is weak, then it was left to the will of the Taygetos mountains natural elements.Children are not swaddled, their limbs were outdoors and the sun, so they are tempered.From the age of seven, the state took care of all the new warrior.
agoge was divided into three stages, depending on age.Among them are the following:
- from 7 to 12 years;
- from 12 to 20;
- from 20 to 30.
From 7 to 12 years agoge meant the union boys in the group.Children play and learn at the same time.At the same time, their teachers tried to provoke a fight in order to see the strengths and weaknesses of each ward.Particular attention was paid to this stage, physical education.
From 12 to 20 years old boys were studying in Agel, original boarding schools.The head of the association was a young man or older, or the most clever and agile from peers.His job was to lead Agel and punish the guilty.Punishments were cruel.Usually it was a flogging.None of the students could not complain, he had to endure any punishment.A prerequisite was submission.Each soldier had to unquestioningly follow orders of a senior executive.During this period, the boys were subjected to severe physical tests.They were forbidden to wear underwear.They slept on the reeds and bathed in the river.
agoge from 20 to 30 years of association implied in sissitii.In 20 years, the soldiers received small plots of land, where they were engaged in cultivation of fruit crops.In return, they pay taxes.At this age, they were allowed to start a family, raise children.However, military training continue to occupy an important place in the life of a Spartan.Young men who have reached 20 years, united to 15 persons.Thus, in the circle they are trained in the afternoon and in the evening we could go home.
Spartan warriors were obedient citizens who easily tolerate the pain and won the battle.They studied subjects such as art reconnaissance, swimming, gymnastics, equestrian sports.Reading and writing was given the minimum value.
agoge - a unique system that has long been made of the children of these soldiers.
