Human Heritage: A World History

Chapter 10: The City-States

Web Activity Lesson Plans

“Spartan Warriors”

Introduction
Students have read about the militaristic Greek city-state of Sparta and its philosophy toward education. In this exercise, students will learn more about Spartan soldiers, the importance of their shields, and the way children were trained for a harsh life.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Legion XIIII-Ancient Greece Brought to Life Web site to learn about Spartan soldiers. Students will browse the Web site to view representations of Spartan shields and soldiers' uniforms. They will also read about the training that Spartan youth endured. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by creating a list of ways in which their school would change if it adopted a Spartan method of discipline.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will identify the values of Sparta and the characteristics of Spartan life that made the city-state a strong military force.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to list the ways in which their school would change if it adopted a Spartan disciplinary system.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. All Spartan warriors had the Greek "L" symbol on their shields. The symbol represented Laconia, the area in southern Greece where 10th century B.C. Spartans conquered the locals and founded their city-state of Sparta. Additionally, the wooden shields were covered in leather or bronze (or both) and hollowed inside to fit the soldier's shoulder. In battle, the soldiers would line up with their shields overlapping, forming a phalanx.
2. A soldier was a hero if he came back from battle with his shield. If he was alive, it meant he was victorious. If he died and was carried back upon his shield, he was a hero for having fought courageously. If he came back without his shield, however, it meant that he must have fled the battle, and he would be shunned by Spartan society.
3. Spartan society believed that if the boys received harsh treatment while they were being trained for the military, it would prepare them for the harshness of war. At seven, they were sent into the hills to train. Barefoot and naked except for a cloak, they were fed little. They sustained themselves by stealing from the surrounding farmhouses. If the farmer caught them, they were punished not only by the farmer for stealing, but also by the instructors for being caught.
4. Spartan girls were also sent to school at the age of seven. Girls were taught gymnastics, wrestling, and survival skills. If an 18-year-old Spartan girl passed her skills and fitness test, a husband was selected for her and she could return home. The purpose of the physical training and tests was to produce strong, healthy women who would produce and raise strong, healthy children.
5. Students' lists will vary.