Spartan Society related Essay - 2011 Words

Explain the importance of the role or religion in Spartan Society. Religion in Sparta, like in many societies, had a purpose. Religion was important in Sparta to support the ideals of a militaristic utopian society which, after the Messenian wars, the governing forces were aiming to create. â€Å"Those who honour the gods most finely with choruses are best in war† [Socrates]. The Spartan ideal of an elite military state influenced the approach to religion and the ways in which religion would be moulded to suite state doctrine, therefore highlighting the importance of religion in upholding the values of Spartan society. Religion in Sparta was interpreted to uphold Spartan values some of which are endurance, loyalty, obedience, conformity, and†¦show more content†¦Those who could withstand the punishment were given honour and moved onto another stage in their military training. Religion in this case was used to sort out those with better warrior potential. Religion was important for the State and this could also be seen in the war-time practices of the Spartan Army. According to Powell, Spartans believed in military divination, following an army to war was a herd of sacrificial animals ready to appease the Gods. Consultative sacrifices were held before embarking on a military campaign, before a battle and when stepping into the threshold of the enemy. As written by Herodotus, Cleomenes in 494 on an invasion campaign to Argo was sent troops home because he had seen bad omens at the river Erasinus. Spartans also consulted Oracles at Delphi for predictions, famously at the battle of Thermopylae Leonidas was told to give up or fight to the death against Persian troops. The Spartan reliance on divination is reflective of how religion was used for military organisation and was important in supporting the state with battle strategy and on issues of joining battles. The reliance on religion creates a sense of reassurance for warriors if they h ad been given a good battle prediction and also a justification for retreat with a bad omen, as seen through Cleomenes. Another function of religion in Spartan society was to train the hoplites. Hoplites wereShow MoreRelatedReligion, Death and Burial in Spartan Society Essay1004 Words   |  5 Pagescentral role in Spartan society in the ancient world. In addition to being well known for their fierce fighting force, Spartans were well known amongst other Greek city-states for their devotion and serious attitude towards religion and the gods. Because of their strict devotion to religious practises, they were often mocked by other Greek states. The gods were to be obeyed completely and were to be respected completely by all Spartans, though in theory, this relationship between the Spartans and the godsRead MoreThe Athenian And Spartan Women894 Words   |  4 Pagesduties as well and not just the men. 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