The poetry of Tyrtaeus helped illustrate Spartan culture because it explained Sparta’s morals, values, and traditions. The poetry of Tyrtaeus elucidated how the Spartans were war - oriented, and were not afraid to die young. Tyrtaeus expressed that “ Disdain base flight and coward fear deride Firm and resolved engage your warlike foes And learn to fight that life ye out to lose” (Tyrtaeus, Martial, Elegy 6). In consonance with Tyrtaeus, the people of Sparta laughed at and ridiculed fear and foes because they were not afraid of terror or their enemies, and thought it was ridiculous if anyone was. They were strong against their enemies and stimulated them for the war. The Spartan people were not afraid to die because when someone died due to…show more content… Tyrtaeus expounded that “ who fondly quits his native home, A beggar vile in foreign climes to roam, His aged parents wandering by his side, His infant children and his youthful bride Sure his of all conditions ” (Tyrtaeus, Martial, Elegy 5). Pursuant to Tyrtaeus, anyone who quitted war was shamed upon, exiled, and decreased into awful conditions because in Sparta war, was the number one priority and an expectation. The fact that war was an expectation demonstrates obedience because this meant everyone participated in war, and did not question it. Anyone who did not follow that expectation and or priority was greatly abashed once again because Sparta valued war to a high extent. Conditions worsened not only for the man himself, but for his family. The conditions worsened for his family because they had the same genes as him, so it was thought they were to make the same decision. Conditions worsened for his wife because she chose to marry him, she chose to marry a coward who was afraid to face death. The conditions worsened for his parents because they raised him to be afraid of losing his life. And conditions worsened for his children because he raised them. There was a concern that he raised them to be fearful as well. Lastly, conditions worsened for his family because the people Sparta were embarrassed of them, ashamed of them for having a weak man in their family. Not only did the poem
