The people of Greece and the Persian Empire had been at war for years and with the Greeks largely outnumber it seemed clear who would prevail. During the second Persian invasion of Greece, Persia had put together one of the largest armies know in the ancient world (estimated by Herodotus to be over 2,000,000 warriors (p.90). During a conversation between Xerxes (the ruler of Persia) and Demaratus (the ruler of Sparta), Xerxes …show more content…
All aspects of a Spartan’s life revolved around maintaining their military forces. The Spartan’s were so concerned with keeps their forces strong that they required that every male citizen become professional soldiers; they even went as far as to give newborn babies physical examinations to determine whether it was healthy enough to raise and if not the baby was abandoned in the mountains, left to die. It is noted in Spartan Society and Values that these people took great pride in being part of their military. The “Spartan Creed” says “…Here is a man who proves himself to be valiant in war. With a sudden rush he turns to fight to rugged battalions of the enemy, and sustains the beating waves of assault. And he who falls among the champions and loses his sweet life, so blessing with honor his city, his father, and all his people… “ (p.76). The story goes on the describe how the man who passed in war will always be remembered with honor and glory for defending his people and how a man who fights, and lives is to be “renown for the work of his spear, all men give place to him alike, the youth and the elders, and much joy comes his way before he goes down to the dead”