Spartan Daily Life
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Ancient Societies: Sparta
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by Anna Hondronikolas
Daily Life and Leisure Activities:
Slide 2 & 3 –
Spartans, with helots had a lot of leisure time. Lycargus lists the activities that filled their time: choral dances, festivals, banquets, hunting trips, physical exercise, and conversation.
Athletics:
was a favoured leisure activity.
shrine dedicated to the Dioskouri, who were generally patrons of athletics.
Spartan soldiers spent their spare hours practising athletics when they were on campaign, and sometimes took discuses with them.
Spartan training was considered to be extremely thorough.
Athletics was an important part of Spartan culture and daily life and it is consistent with their self discipline and for the men it meant they were much more able to cope with warfare and for women to keep fit and assist in childbirth.
Hunting:
For those without a horse it was possible to chase after hares on foot and catch them with the aid of dogs and helots with nets.
Javelin and spear were the weapons usually used.
In Sparta, to have killed a boar was a mark of great social distinction for a man and the killing of ones first boar was rite of passage to full manhood.
Xenophon states that hunting developed a mans courage and agility and made him a better soldier.
Hunting was significant as it developed Spartan character.
Equestrian Sports:
Banquets:
If feasts occurred in Sparta it would be reserved for festivals or special occasions.
There would have been plenty for the men to indulge in. It would have been a way for all to enjoy the banquet as one whole group.
It was significant as it showed the value of companionship and closeness in the ranks of Spartans and culture was reflected in the use of the mess hall.
Food and Clothing:
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Marriage Customs:
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Occupations:
Slide –