Sparta, what do we know about it exactly and what's been exaggerated, or just made up? In the first of three episodes I look at the education system (agoge), communal mess (syssitia) and get into the Krypteia (not literally though). What do the sources say about these and how do they differ from ways they are sometimes depicted?
In addition to all of this I have a quick overview of the sources which have their part to play and get into a few anecdotes.
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Music by Brakhage (Le Vrai Instrumental).
Reading list and sources used
Berry, PE & Knotterus JD. Spartan Society: Structural ritualization in an ancient social system
Cartledge, P. The Spartans
Davidson, J. The Greeks and Greek Love
Figueira, T. Mess contributions and subsistence at Sparta
Kennell, NM. Gymnasium of Virtue: education & culture in ancient Sparta
Luraghi & Alcock. Helots and their masters in Laconia and Messenia
Matyszak, P. Sparta, rise of a warrior nation
Miller, S.G. Ancient Greek Athletics.
Special shoutout to the excellent BadAncient website,the In Our Time Sparta episode and the Life in Sparta and the truth about Sparta episode on The Ancients podcast.
