How were the Spartans able to focus on military training and fighting
The Spartans were able to focus on military training and fighting due to their unique socioeconomic and political system:
1. Military-Oriented Society: Spartan society was primarily centered around the military and the idea of being a formidable fighting force. All male citizens were required to serve in the military from a young age, and the entire Spartan education system revolved around military training.
2. Agoge: The Spartans established a rigorous and strict educational system known as the Agoge, which started from the age of 7. The purpose of the Agoge was to train young Spartan boys to become disciplined soldiers. They underwent intense physical training, combat exercises, and were taught discipline, obedience, and endurance, all of which prepared them for war.
3. Slave Labor: The Spartans had a large population of enslaved people known as helots. These helots, who were mainly agricultural laborers, produced the necessary food and supplies for the Spartans, allowing them to focus solely on military training and activities.
4. Political System: The Spartan government, known as the oligarchy, had a dual kingship with 2 kings ruling simultaneously. This meant that one king could take care of political and administrative duties, while the other could focus on military affairs. As a result, one of the kings could dedicate their entire focus to military training and leading the army.
5. Homogeneous Social Structure: The Spartans had a well-defined social structure that was relatively homogeneous. While other Greek city-states had a more diverse society, with a range of occupations and classes, Spartan society focused on creating a unified warrior class. This lack of diversity allowed them to maintain a laser-like focus on military training and combat.
Overall, the combination of a military-focused society, a rigorous education system, slave labor, a specific political system, and a homogeneous social structure enabled the Spartans to prioritize and excel in military training and fighting.