Sparta was a warrior society in ancient Greece that reached the height of its power after defeating rival city-state Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 B.C.). Spartan culture centered on loyalty to the state and military service. At age 7, Spartan boys entered a rigorous state-sponsored education, military training, and socialization program. Known as the Agoge, the system emphasized duty, discipline, and endurance. Despite their military prowess, the Spartans’ dominance was short-lived: In 371 B.C., they were defeated by Thebes at the Battle of Leuctra, and their empire went into a long period of decline.
Spartan, also known as Lacedaemon.
Sparta was an ancient Greek city-state located primarily in the present-day region of southern Greece called Laconia. The population of Sparta consisted of three main groups: the Spartans, or Spartiates, who were full citizens; the Helots, or serfs/slaves; and the Perioeci, who were neither slaves nor citizens. The Perioeci, whose name means “dwellers-around,” worked as craftsmen and traders, and built weapons for the Spartans
Spartan Warrior Tattoo
The word “Spartan” means self-restrained, simple, frugal and austere.
Spartan tattoo
Spartan boys started their military training at age 7 when they left home and entered the Agoge. Spartans also valued knowledge, took education seriously and even had a democratic government. They were the most feared military army in the Greek world between the 4th and 6th century.
As you will see they speak to the individual’s approach to life, those around them and their beliefs.
Honor
Spartans had a reputation for being honorable men who would lay down their lives to protect their society, way of life and their fellow warrior. In today’s modern world honor is hard to come by, so many choose a tattoo like this to remind them that the right thing to do and the hardest thing to do are often the same and they need to make honorable choices.
Bravery
They embodied bravery and even today people still admire their resolve and want to remember that if the Spartans could face such terrible circumstances and still stand firm that they can overcome life’s obstacles as well.
