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.

Find me on X, Instagram, Bluesky and TikTok as ancientblogger (see links below). There's my AncientBlogger YouTube channel and the Ancient History Hound subreddit. Come say hello (you can even go full old school and email me on [email protected]).

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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.