8 Comments
Aug 10Liked by Classical Wisdom

Excellent article, imagine an entire nation of special forces citizens!

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Aug 10Liked by Classical Wisdom

No por sabido es menos interesante. Bravo!

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Aug 10Liked by Classical Wisdom

No mention was made of the Spartan practice of selective infanticide. Did Xenophon not mention this practice?

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author

I believe it is a still unresolved as to whether or not the practice was in fact done by the Spartans... so far there hasn't been any archeological evidence (ie, mass graves of infant bones) so support the claim.

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Interesting. I thought it was common knowledge. But there wouldn't be archaeological evidence if the infants were left out exposed, would there? No graves, as scavengers would have disposed of the bodies.

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In retrospect it's intriguing to view the larger picture of culture. This time was the age of Aries - characterized by territorial conquests and the spread of cultural and political influence. Its ruler is Mars, the planet of war and aggressiin. These aggressive, expansionist tendencies align with Aries' martial and pioneering spirit. It wasn't unti the year of the Lord (1 AD), astrologically, the dawning of the Age of Pices. This has been characterized by a renewed interpretation of the arts, sciences, individual human rights and boundary dissolution.

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Aug 9Liked by Classical Wisdom

Very interesting article on the Spartans, who were so unusual in so many respects, and indeed the subject of intense fascination. I have read a couple of books, as well as comments on websites dedicated to Sparta which clearly inspires either great admiration or deep loathing with nothing in between. I also want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I appreciate and enjoy your website. I started reading Classical Wisdom articles very regularly for its historical contents and its wisdom (much needed in today's world). I am about to get a Paid Subscription.

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Excellent insight Joce - I think a lot of the extreme views has to do in part with the biased historical writings. Many of the historians were either team Athens OR team Sparta (primarily Xenophon), so it makes a certain amount of sense that there wasn't a lot of nuanced records. And also thank you for joining our membership! Glad you can be a part of the community :-)

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