Question

What were the advantages and disadvantages of Sparta’s military society?

Answer 1

The following were the advantages and disadvantages of Sparta's military society:

Advantages:

• The citizens of Sparta bore a great sense of patriotism and each one of them believed in devoting their youth to Sparta.
• Every single soldier was treated equally as there was no hierarchy in the Spartan army or in the Spartan society for people that were originally Spartiates.
• Children were trained right from their childhood to become great warriors when they grow up.
• Women were treated with respect and dignity as they were the ones who produced strong and healthy children and looked after the household when the men were away.

Disadvantages:

• The slaves that the Spartiates brought from other city-states to serve in Sparta were given inhumane treatment.
• The children did not have the choice to choose careers for themselves. They had to inevitably serve in the army and lay down their lives at a young age if needed.
• Spartan society was violent in nature and did not believe in the philosophy of peace.
• Sparta did not have a democracy. The king used to be an authoritarian ruler but was accepted by the citizens of Sparta, obeyed, and complied with the decisions made by him.
• The children that were born weak and unhealthy were mercilessly left to die.