Hey everyone! This is History Mystery.
Life for a child in ancient Sparta was vastly different from other Greek city-states. In Sparta, the primary focus was on creating a strong and disciplined warrior class that could defend the city-state, contradictory to the parenting focus in Athens, the capital of Ancient Greece.
This emphasis on military strength and unity shaped every aspect of Spartan life, including parenting. Thus, the Spartan parents adopted an authoritarian style of parenting due to their unique military and societal values.
So, before we indulge in the details of the techniques that Spartan parents used to discipline their kids and let them not deviate from the cultural and societal norms, first let’s unveil the tough life of a kid in the city-state of ancient Greece, Sparta.
Life as a Spartan Kid: A Glimpse into the Crucible
Parenting in Sparta revolved around the state's goal of creating fierce warriors. Spartan parents practiced a strict and demanding parenting style, with an emphasis on toughness, discipline, and self-reliance. The state played a significant role in the upbringing of children, as they were seen as future defenders of Sparta.
Agoge, An Intensive Military Training Program.
From an early age, children were raised with the singular goal of becoming strong and disciplined soldiers. From the age of seven, boys entered the agoge, a rigorous and intensive military training program.
They lived in communal barracks to learn.
Survival skills
Combat techniques
Endured physical challenges.
This upbringing aimed to mold them into strong, disciplined, and fearless warriors.
"With It Or On It" Law
Parents in Sparta and society as a whole frowned upon weakness or disobedience. Disobedient behavior was dealt with severely. It's said that the Spartan phrase "Come back with your shield – or on it" referred to a warrior either returning from battle victorious with his shield (it) or being carried back dead on it.
This phrase encapsulated the idea that a Spartan warrior must either succeed or die in the process.
Collective Well-Being Before Self Desires
Spartans believed in the supremacy of the state over the individual. This collective mindset meant that one should allow the needs of the city-state to outweigh one’s personal desires. Parents were expected to raise their children with the city's best interests in mind, even if it meant making difficult choices for the greater good.
Warrior Ethos: A Collective Responsibility
The constant threat of invasion or conflict with neighboring city-states compelled Spartans to prioritize military readiness. A Spartan was expected to show unwavering loyalty to Sparta and its values.
The ritual 'diamastigosis', characterized by its inhumane nature, involved the annual flogging of adolescents in front of the Artemis Orthia temple altar. This practice served as a test of endurance and courage for young Spartans undergoing military training. Tragically, fatalities resulted from this ritual, with a higher frequency occurring during the later years of the Spartan state, notably under Roman rule.This required not only parents but also the entire community to mold their children into obedient and patriotic citizens who would unquestioningly follow orders and uphold Spartan ideals, even in the face of adversity.
The authoritarian parenting approach ensured consistency and conformity within this communal structure.
How Parents In Sparta Handled/ Punished Disobedient Kids?
In the fierce city-state of Sparta, discipline wasn't just a concept – it was a way of life. Spartan parents understood that raising strong and disciplined warriors required early and rigorous training.
The emphasis on obedience and adherence to the Spartan way of life was so strong that disobedience would have been seen as a threat to the very fabric of Spartan society. So, how did they discipline their young ones?
More Demanding And Intensive Training
Spartan children were subjected to intense physical training from a young age. If a child displayed disobedience, they might face even more demanding exercises. The idea was to toughen them up and prepare them for the harsh realities of Spartan life.
In Sparta, parents were deeply committed to upholding the city-state's unwavering military and societal values.
This unyielding commitment to the Spartan way of life gave rise to a distinctive form of authoritarian parenting – the authoritarian military parenting style.
Privilege Deprivation
Disobedience often meant the loss of privileges. These privileges could be anything from certain foods to recreational activities such as discus throw, javelin, jumping, wrestling, etc. Spartan parents aimed to instill discipline and respect for authority by depriving disobedient children of these comforts.
Public Shaming
In extreme cases, public shaming was used. If a child's behavior was considered particularly defiant, they might be subjected to public humiliation (Similar practice is seen in predecessor civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and even in Athens). This practice aimed to not only correct the child's behavior but also serve as a deterrent for others.
Peer Dispproval
Spartan society was tightly knit, and the community played a significant role in discipline. Children were raised collectively, and their peers had a role in maintaining order. A disobedient child could face disapproval or isolation from their peers, reinforcing the importance of adhering to societal norms.
Cultivation of Virtues
Spartan parents emphasized the cultivation of virtues like courage, resilience, and obedience. Children were taught that these virtues were essential for their role as future warriors. Parents adopted a stringent schedule that left no room for deviation.
Final Words
In summary, life for a child in Sparta was centered around becoming a strong warrior. Spartan parents employed a strict parenting style, intensive training, privilege deprivation, public shaming, and community involvement to ensure discipline and adherence to the state's militaristic values.
In this disciplined world, disobedience was more than a personal flaw; it was a threat to the very fabric of Spartan society. Thus, parents and the community were resolute in their quest to maintain discipline and uphold the values of their city-state.
What do you think about the Spartan way of life and authoritarian parenting style of Sparta?
Do you think it is ok to train your kids toward the collective societal goal from a very young age?
Do let me know in the comments below!
Take care!
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