Essay on Spartan Culture and Politics as it relates to the Battle of Thermpylae

1364 Words3 Pages

Ancient Greek and Roman Studies

The 300 Spartan Hoplites who were slain during the battle of Thermopylae , 480 BCE, Thermopylae, were a representation of Spartan beliefs and ideals ingrained upon them by the Spartan education process, such as hatred of death and eagerness to die for their country, because they died gloriously in battle defending the honor of Sparta and upholding the law. They epitomized the spartan ethos because they chose an honorable death in the defence of Sparta, rather than flee and disgrace Sparta, polis before self. As a result of their unfailing obedience and upholding of their law, the 300 were commemorated in a monument erected at Thermopylae.

The spartan laws, created by Lycurgus, caused obedience to be of the utmost importance and a source of pride for the Spartans. It was one of the defining characteristics of the Spartan ethos; any disobedience to the law was punished severely and without hesitation. The Spartan political system showed great insight by Lycurgus, as it was a mixed government, consisting of kingship, aristocracy, and democracy and provided stability to Spartan politics. “The first and of greatest importance was the establishment of the senate, which, having a power equal to the kings.” (Plut. 5) Spartan citizens are equal under the laws of Lycurgus. Although Kings are considered demi gods and the old revered, their privileges are no greater than a normal Spartan. Spartans, essentially, do not have political equality to the Ephori, the senate, or the Spartan kings, to whom they must remain totally obedient. They are equal in that they are all subject to the law. The senate can counteract the kings giving stability to the commonwealth, the ephori are the supreme power in Sparta, bu...

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... disciplines of knowledge and obedience and are some of the best equipped and most feared warriors of their time, their primary focus is the defense of Sparta. Persian forces are ill equipped with primitive weapons and a lack of armor, relying on sheer numbers instead of skill and built for mobility in order to move more quickly around the vast Persian Empire.
The 300 Spartan Hoplites were the epitome of Spartan ethos, not only did they die bravely for their country, they also represent Spartan fear of dishonor. They were sent to die as sacrifices to preserve the view of courage and fearsome warriors and hide the caution and cowardice of Sparta. The Spartan educational system and laws resulting in some of the greatest warriors but their force is inhibited by the Spartan mindset, they are courageous in battle but fear dishonor.

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