Greek Education - Spartans

In all the Greek city-states, except for Sparta, kids were taught music, art, literature, science, math, and politics. For example, in the Athens wealthy families sent their sons to school at the age of six or seven. But before they attended school, they were taught at home. Their education prepared them to be good citizens. They learned how to think logically and public speaking prepared them to debate as adults in the assembly. Although the girls did not attend school, they were taught by their mothers at home. They learned how to read, write, cook, sew, and run a household. They were expected to be good wives and mothers. But education in Sparta was completely different. The purpose of Sparta’s education was to have a powerful army. Their boys were entered in the military around the age of six. They learned to read, but it was just enough to get by. Military training was tough, but there was a reason for it. The boys were often hungry and beaten. They lived in homes called barracks. Almost everything taught to them was about battle and war. Spartan girls were also trained to be tough. Their education was not as brutal, but they all knew how to fist fight, wrestle, and handle a weapon. They also learned how to kill. Spartans believed that the women would produce strong babies. Spartans had no interest in other ways of life and discouraged the spread of new ideas throughout their city-state.