Spartan Swords - Unique Armor

The Slicing Sword

Spartan swords were typically shorter than most other swords of the time. Spartans fought mostly on foot, though cavalries were certainly employed at times. Because they attacked in large numbers and in close proximity with their fellow soldiers, longer swords would have been more awkward and less efficient for the Spartans.

The Spartans were so highly militaristic that the way of fighting truly dominated their society. Did you know that the Spartans were Greek? We tend to think of them as separate entities, not as a part of the rest of Greece . This is primarily because of their own self-imposed separation, not only geographically, but especially culturally.

When we think of the ancient Greeks, we tend to think of athletic superiority, the enduring stories and legends of their mythology, great philosophers, stunning architecture and brilliant art, musical excellence, elaborate foods and timeless beauty. Of course, we also think of battle stories and great warriors. But when we think of the Spartans, images of armor-clad, monstrously strong men come to mind and honestly, not much else.. This is because the whole of Spartan society focused solely on war.

Everything for the Spartan man and woman centered around war. All education was physical training for battle; women served in the home and as producers of more strong children to serve the state; men served in the army from the age of 7 to 60.

The Spartans were known for their simplistic way of life, but unlike most groups of people who nurture simplicity for the development of religious virtues, the Spartans chose simplicity so that nothing else would interfere with their intent on war. For this reason, the Spartans have gone down in history as some of the most determined and relentless warriors ever..

As a result of their one-track, vigilant lifestyle seeped in military values, the Spartans developed a rather unique battle strategy that produced an unusual armor. Spartan soldiers were required to own their own sword, shield, and armor; they were not required to own a battle horse as most other armies of the time did. This is because the Spartans' strategy was to charge into their enemy in huge numbers and scatter their enemy, weakening them by separation. The Spartans didn't see much value in dealing with horses for this because, true to their nature, they focused on one style rather than diversity. If they had charged first in cavalry forces, they would have to eventually make the transition to foot. The Spartans had an advantage by starting out on foot and therefore already being in the position of advantage one the enemy was demounted.

Because they charged in large numbers and with the mass of men so close to each others, their swords were designed to thrust, slash and stab at close range. Also the Spartans invented shields that reached well beyond their own bodies so as to help protect their fellow soldiers.

Spartan shields were especially strong and thick compared to the other shields of their opponent armies. For starters, because their swords were shorter than those of their enemies, they depended more on their shields for protection. The design of the shield covered their front torso and over their left shoulders. The most unusual aspect of this design, however, was that the shield often extended so far out to the left that a comrade could also be protected. This extra large size came in handy at the end of battle when the surviving soldiers then used their shields as a stretcher to carry the wounded off the field to a center for rehabilitation.

Rob R
[http://www.theslicingsword.com]

Spartan Training - The Agoge

Most, if not all, of the reasons for Spartan dominance on the battlefield can be attributed to their incredibly strenuous and brutal training regiment, the Agoge. Even before beginning the Agoge, newborn Spartan boys underwent a highly in-depth physical scrutiny to make sure the newborn was without flaws. Any that did not pass the examination were left out in the country to die. Then, between ages five to seven, the boy was taken to begin training. There were no fond farewells, boys were simply taken to live in barracks as a "pack" or unit and encouraged from the start with competitive play against other packs.

By age 10 they had been taught to read and write and their physical exercise was increased. An important activity was dancing (of all things) with their weapons until all movement with the weapons became ingrained and natural. Movement was the key to the warrior's success and the ability to freely move was paramount. By 12 they would have learned all of the Spartan war songs and their military training would begin in earnest. The journey to manhood also meant they would have their hair cut short, their tunics would be taken away and instead they were given a cloak in its place to fend off whatever the elements threw at them.

To toughen their feet they would go barefoot at all times and to further the bestial mentality they would eat very little always keeping them aggressive and hungry for more. They were allowed to supplement this diet of course by testing their cunning by stealing, but with a heavy punishment if caught- not for stealing, but for being caught! Severely beaten for any reason the instructors could come up with, training was harsh and brutal. Many boys wound up dying during the course of their training due to its brutality. Those that survived, however, became true Spartan soldiers and were unstoppable in battle.

Finished with the Agoge at age 20, a young man still had to be selected by a group of older peers before he became a homoioi, a full Spartan citizen. From then on, his life would be devoted to the army. Either away at war or at home training and competing against his fellow soldiers for recognition, a Spartan man was always devoted to combat and bettering his ability to make war. Whereas other cities in Greece were noted for their advanced culture such as theater and philosophy, Sparta was famous for the personal fortitude, character, restraint, and moral fiber of people it produced.

Spartan Armor & Clothes
Greek Armor & Clothing

Spartan Costume - For Classic Warrior Style

It is unquestionable that there are various clothing ensemble nowadays which will be perfect for your next costume party. All you need to do is browse through an internet costume site and search for your favorite. However, one of the best which, in other people's opinion, epitomize valor is the Spartan costume. Here are some of the articles of clothing that are often included in a Spartan costume set (these are based on the Frank Miller's epic film 300).

First of all, a tunic or toga is often worn. Most of the time, this garment will reach only the knees since warriors needed to be able to move well. You may also find one which merely has a skirt-like wrap. For instance, the Spartan Warrior costume for adults includes a maroon wrap with a leather waist band and golden trimmings at the hem.

Another important garment in Spartan clothing is the sweeping red or maroon cape. Historically, soldiers in the past wore capes because these can be used for various purposes, like blankets to keep warm at night. However, when they are in the middle of battle, these are thrown off because it will slow them down. Sometimes, these are secured with the help of shoulder epaulets or medallions.

Those two are the basic garments that Spartan warriors wore. However, the whole look would not be complete without the various accessories that they put on like the arm / wrist guards, shin / leg wraps, a helmet and breast plates. Today, these would really look good on any man. However, these were primarily used for protection in the past.

Of course, you would need a sword and a shield so that you can really be identified as a warrior (although in Sparta, everyone is trained to be a soldier). Unfortunately, in most costume ensembles for sale today, these two should be bought individually. Sandals are also sold separately.

Remember the beautiful and amazingly compelling wife of Leonidas? She is known as Queen Gorgon. In most historical accounts, she is very much like the character that the movie has portrayed her to be; as most Spartan women were supposed to be. She is tough, strong-willed and utterly sexy.

This means that women can also embody this very stunning queen on the next costume party that they will be attending. Often, it includes a very provocative, tight-fitting toga with slits on either side of the long, flowing skirt. You can also don on a cape as well as simple pieces of jewelry like bronze arm bands and necklaces.

Most of the time, the Spartan costume set offered for men in online costume shops comes in just one size. You will be lucky to find one which is available in two or more sizes so you need to check the measurements really well. Women are more fortunate in this regard but you still need to be very cautious in ordering the one which you think will fit you well.

With the popularity of the movie and the legendary discipline of Spartan warriors and their women, there is absolutely no wonder why a lot of people would want to wear a Spartan costume for the next Halloween party that they will be attending.

A Spartan Costume is one of the most popular Roman costumes that you can find. To see the most popular styles for the season, visit my favorite centurion costume website at http://centurioncostumes.net/spartan-costume.html.

Ancient Spartan Sword - The Roman Spartan Sword Reviewed

The Ancient Spartan Sword originates out of Rome. This was the famous weapon used by the Ancient Roman Gladiators during death duels. You will be able to tell if it is a Spartan Templars Knight Sword if there is a cross on the pommel. There is quite a bit of history behind this weapon. Edward the II dissolved the order of the temple in 1314. A great deal of Templars during this time by order were executed or sent to prison. Jacques De Molay, the orders last remaining Grand Master, was burned to death at a public gathering.

The decorative cross of this weapon, was commonly used by Templars which is a bonafide method of identifying this Ancient Spartan Sword. This weapon originated in the 14th Century AD, and was manufactured with 1060 High Carbon Steel with a satin polished blade. The blade was also heat tempered with a hardness of fifty three. The Hilt was made to fit with a cross guard and an Iron Pommel. The handle was manufactured out of solid wood and had black leather wrappings around it.

The Gladius Ancient Spartan Sword

This was another popular type of Ancient Sword used in Rome. In fact the Greeks used a very similar sword when they went to combat. Sometimes people refer to this as the Gladius Hispaniensis or Hispanic Sword. People thought these might be similar to the Mainz types, however further research states this is wrong. The blades on these followed a somewhat different pattern when they were created. They are typically longer and narrower and were considered weapons for cutting and thrusting.

The Gladius Sword was used for one to one combat. They preferred to use the Javelin first, which was a spear like ranged weapon which they'd throw at the enemy in an attempt to take them out that way first. In Roman Combat Tactics, this would "thin the herd" so they'd have a lot less enemy to deal with when they had to meet them face to face. Roman Soldiers also used shields which they would use to shield attacks, and would employ the Gladius Sword to stab or slice up their nemesis.

Let Brian Garvin & Jeff West teach you more about the Katana Sword and the Ancient Spartan Sword on our website today.

The Spartans & King Leonidas

King Leonidas was the king of the ascetic tribe of Sparta during the 5th century B.C. The people were bound by Spartan law. New born males of the tribe were meticulously inspected by Spartan elders for adequate size requirements & unwanted birth defects. Those who failed the inspection were left to die in the wilderness.

Young Sparta boys were made to survive on their own tidings in the wilderness until they came back to Sparta as fierce warriors. Based on the situation alone, it was surprising that Sparta was able to possess more than three hundred soldiers at all. The tribe's infatuation of producing the perfect warriors did not stop for the young men of Sparta until they reached 30 years of age & served in the Spartan army for another thirty to forty years. The Spartan Law made them very much a war loving tribe that hardly rejected any call to war.

The Spartans fighting specialty was as a single impenetrable unit, forward thrusting, one way & notably elite assault unit. They were documented as a fearsome & formidable army, made stronger by their laws for which forbids them to neither retreat nor surrender. Suicidal tendency is prevalent within such a school of thought.

The Spartan military strength is within their formations, shield, spear, & compounded strength. The semi nakedness suggested extensive use of their large shields to protect their bodies. In true history, the warriors may have actually worn frontal upper body armor instead of being bare-chested as in the recent movie 300.

King Leonidas & his three hundred Spartans were made famous by battling the Persian army led by King Xerxes, at the pass of Thermopylae, in 480 B.C. during the Persian Wars. According to Herodotus; a Dorian Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BC, Leonidas had been warned by the Delphic oracle that either Sparta would be destroyed or their king would lose his life.

The King Leonidas were winning every battle against the Persians whom were desperate to find a way into Greek other than facing the Spartans. However, a greek traitor named Ephialtes led the Persians through an alternative route to surround King Leonidas & his men. The three hundred Spartans were eventually slaughtered by the massive Persian army & the Persians mangled the corpse of King Leonidas.

The Spartan principle of "No retreat & no surrender" got the best of the ego induced chiseled physique heroes of Sparta. Spartans were expected to fight beyond reason & perceived death in battle as the highest honor a man could ever achieve in a lifetime.

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The Development of the Spartan Hoplite Warrior

Sparta is located in the Peloponnese or western part of Greece. The development of Sparta's culture has interested scholars because it was the antithesis of Athenian culture. Many people think of ancient Greece as a place full of temples, sculpture and the birth place of democracy. These things are true of Athenian society, however this article will try and create the alternative view of ancient Greek society by looking at the Spartan system of government and life.

The Spartans were known by their contemporaries as the Lakadaimonians who inhabited the land of Lakadaimonia (modern Sparta). They thought of themselves as descendents of the great hero Herakles (Heracles/Hercules). The Athenians believed that they were descendents of the Ionian people from the east, whereas the Spartans firmly described themselves as durians, who came from the north of Greece.

The great king Agamemnon and his brother Menelaus both came from the Peloponnese in mythology. Menelaus became king of Sparta after marrying Helen, the princess and later queen of Sparta. These characters probably originated from stories that the Mykenaean (Mycenaean) Greeks knew. The Mykenaen civilisation existed for hundreds of years and came to an end abruptly c.1200-1100 BC.

The period after became known as the dark ages of Greece, for the simple reason that there is little writing that survives from this time that tells us about society at that time. The great palaces of the Mykenaeans were abandoned as was their love of art and sculpture. Dark age society appears not to have had the structure in place that could support the arts and fine living, thus archaeology shows a lower standard of living at this time. The kings and leaders of the Mykenenaean past were gradually replaced across Greece with the basileus. The basileus was a type of chieftain who came to prominence because he possessed good leadership and war skills, as well being a successful pirate. Piracy fuelled the basileus' power. The booty from raids would be divided up between his followers according to status. The basileus would have the greatest share because his importance in battle counted for more than his lower ranking followers.

Why did the basileus have this power? During the Mykenaean and dark ages, the smelting of iron to make large items such as armour had not reached Greece. Armour was made of bronze, as were weapons and agricultural tools. Bronze was expensive, so only men with money would be able to afford armour and decent weapons. Without good quality weapons and armour, the poorer lower ranking man would never become more important in battle, thus always receive a smaller share in any booty which would reinforce his lowly position in society.

The widespread availability of iron from c.800 BC changed the dynamics of society across Greece. Lower ranking men could access good quality armour and weapons and command greater importance in war and a higher share in the booty. The age of the basileus came to an end, to be replaced by aristocracies, oligarchies and tyrannies. Sparta however did not follow her neighbours. Unusually Sparta kept her monarchy, in fact Sparta had two kings - one ruled at home, while one ruled the army at war and each year they swapped places thus ensuring a fair distribution of duties and avoiding the prospect of two kings on home ground at the same time. Harmony was achieved because the kings never needed to vie for power against each other.

Spartan society consisted of the two kings, the five ephors, the thirty two gerousia (council) and the Spartiates. The ephors consisted of senior Spartiates who had served in the gerousia. Their power was at least as great if not greater than the kings and led to a stability achieved through a constitutional stalemate of power. The gerousia were Spartiates who were aged 60 and above. They had decision making powers and would present decrees to the Spartiate assembly that were voted for or against. The Spartiates were the citizens who gained their status through ownership of land, thus at least superficially making them equals (homoioi). They participated in the assembly after the age of thirty and were able to make simple decisions through a show of hands in favour or against a decree presented by the gerousia. Thus Spartan society was a monarchy and oligarchy respectively.

Below the Spartiates, were the helots. These people were the reason for Sparta's reliance on the hoplite as a means of survival. The helots were slaves from the defeated Spartan neighbouring country of Messenia. Sparta had needed to expand during the 8th century onwards and part of the Spartiate status depended on land ownership (thus ability to produce food and become self reliant). Through a series of wars, Sparta finally defeated Messenia and enslaved the entire population. The Helots were forced to work the land for the benefit of their Spartan masters, however they did not do this willingly which led to frequent uprisings against Sparta. Sparta would not be able to maintain her power without a permanently trained hoplite army, especially as the Messenians vastly outnumbered the Spartans. 

The solution to this problem was to develop a whole way of life devoted to war. Boys left their families from the age of five to join the military training known as the agoge. They lived in messes and learned warfare as well as literature, music, dance and mathematics. The agoge was a brutal existence for the boys in order to toughen them up for life as a soldier. They learned independence through the krypteia (living rough for a year while spying on the helots) as well as the co-operation required through the close formation fighting of hoplite soldiers. They did not leave training until eighteen and even after this age they were not seen as mature soldiers until after the age of thirty.

The reasons outlined are why Sparta developed a dependence on the hoplite system of fighting, better methods of iron smelting making it more readily available and the need for land that led to a permanent requirement for a highly trained army.

For more about ancient Greek culture visit http://www.mythologyhellenic.com



Jane Sproston was a teacher of Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek in a number of secondary schools. She is also an examiner of Classical Civilisation for a major examination board. Her website is http://www.mythologyhellenic.com