Many people believe many different ideas about Spartans. Some believed that there were so many weaknesses that the strengths were outweighed. Others believed the opposite, that the strengths were enough to outweigh the weaknesses. Based on the five documents that I read, I believe that strengths outweighed the weaknesses. One reason why Sparta’s strengths outweighed the weaknesses is in the field of education and the topics that are taught. A quote to support this is, “Only the rudiments [basics] of reading and writing were taught; instruction consisted for the most part in … obedience, bodily fitness, and courage to conquer in battle” (Hooker 3). From this quote, I understand that these boys were taught the essential education topics. For Sparta, those were basic reading and writing skills. They felt that training and conditioning the boys in the school was more important than the other subjects. In Athens, people believed that fighting was not as important, so instead of teaching conditioning and…show more content… By doing this, they became aware of what they would have to do. “Instead of softening the boys’ feet with sandals, [Lycurgus] required them to harden their feet by going without shoes… he introduced the custom of wearing one garment throughout the year, believing that they would thus be better prepared to face changes of heat and cold” (Xenophon 1-2). These quotes are saying that instead of treating them well and providing them with shows and a change of clothes, they are preparing for the worst situation. By doing this, every one of their soldiers is prepared for any situation that is thrown at them. This is a huge strength for Sparta because all of their soldiers are able to live through extreme conditions. If Sparta was ever short on supplies, it is nice to know that many of these people can live without shoes and a change of clothes every
