Sparta

The word "Spartan" is synonymous with severe, bare, austere, and simple. This description fits Spartan life perfectly. Between the 5th and 7th centuries BC Sparta had the strongest military in the Hellenistic world. From a very early age boys were disciplined to become warriors; becoming a warrior was every aspect of life. Engaging in competition and striving to be the best were encouraged, if not necessary for survival. Even women were actively involved in wrestling and other physical activities usually designated for men. The state was all important and all controlling. Parents were only allowed to have two boys, with the mentality "an heir and a spare." The same was true for girls, only two. Many young children were exposed and left to die because of this, and many of those left to die were picked up and sold into slavery. Very alarming was the "impregnation ceremony" which truly demonstrated the extent of the state's power over people. A woman would be dressed in men's attire, hair cut, and left in a dark room for any man to sex with her, particularly if her husband was unable to complete the task. The factory-like production of life parallels Brave New World or 1984. The influence of the state is again shown when Lykurgis redistributed wealth to everyone: silver and gold tender was eliminated, and iron coinage became the standard, effectively eliminating theft.

With the state controlled harsh setting that characterized Sparta, it is understandable why this city-state became such a prominent military force. However, in the 4th century their power dwindled: An earthquake struck and killed an entire generation of Spartan youth, in addition to suffering military defeat.

The collectiveness of a people and subsequent power that cohesion can generate is demonstrated by Sparta. A single goal, military supremacy, was achieved because citizens were bound by this ideal whether they wanted to or not. The goal was executed, but the means to do so required relinquishing personal freedoms and individuality for Spartan citizens. The balance between personal freedom and a single goal requiring the devotion of the entire group is relevant today. Circumstances will tilt the balance one way or another, and Sparta's xenophobic stance, isolation, and lack of a navy all contributed to why things were the way they were. The same can hold true today when as Americans are faced with the balance between safety and invasion of privacy in the context of being in an information age with the growing threat of terrorism. The Patriot Act prompts us to ask some of these questions: are we willing to relinquish personal freedoms in exchange for what we assume will be better protection against enemies? Use Sparta as reference...

Theater

In the ruins of Sparta's ancient agora is the second oldest theater in Greece. It was given by Vespian during the Hellenistic age and later had Roman additions. The theater featured a rotating stage.