Home » Blog » What did the spartan soldiers do for fun?

What did the spartan soldiers do for fun?

What did Spartan Soldiers do for Fun?

The Spartans, known for their rigorous military training and strict social hierarchy, are often perceived as stoic and serious warriors who didn’t have time for leisure activities. However, this stereotype is far from accurate. Despite their tough and disciplined exterior, Spartan soldiers did have ways to relax and have fun. Let’s explore what they enjoyed doing in their free time.

Physical Activities

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner

Spartan soldiers were trained to be physically fit from a young age. However, they didn’t only engage in military exercises. Here are some physical activities they enjoyed:

  • Olympic Games: Spartan athletes participated in the ancient Olympic Games, competing in events like running, boxing, and wrestling.
  • Hunting: Spartan soldiers enjoyed hunting as a way to relax and prove their skills. They hunted wild boar, deer, and other game to provide food for their community.
  • Wrestling: Wrestling was a popular sport in ancient Greece, and Spartans were skilled in this area. They even had a special training program for wrestlers.

Social Activities

Spartan soldiers didn’t spend all their free time exercising. They also enjoyed socializing with their comrades. Here are some social activities they participated in:

  • Symposia: Symposia were wine-drinking parties where soldiers would gather to socialize, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
  • Dinners: Spartan soldiers loved to share meals with their comrades. They would eat together, often with elaborate feasts, and share stories of their battles and adventures.
  • Kottabos: Kottabos was a popular game in ancient Greece, where players would aim to throw small discs into a cup. Spartan soldiers enjoyed playing this game together.

Cultural Events

Spartan soldiers were also interested in art, music, and other cultural activities. Here are a few examples:

  • Theater: Spartan soldiers attended theater performances, both in Athens and in their own city. They loved watching plays and tragedies performed by professional actors.
  • Music: Spartan soldiers enjoyed music, particularly instrumental music like the lyre and the aulos. They even had a famous Spartan musician named Alkman.
  • Choral Singing: Spartans loved to sing, and choral singing was an important part of their cultural heritage. They sang hymns and songs, often accompanied by instruments.

Other Activities

In addition to these activities, Spartan soldiers also enjoyed other pursuits:

  • Literature: Spartan soldiers enjoyed reading and writing. Many famous Spartan writers and philosophers, such as Xenophon and Plutarch, were soldiers before they became writers.
  • Storytelling: Spartan soldiers loved to share stories and legends about their ancestors, their battles, and their gods. They would gather around the fire and regale each other with tales of bravery and heroism.
  • Games of Skill: Spartan soldiers played games of skill, like dice and knucklebones, to test their reflexes and strategy.

Conclusion

While the image of Spartan soldiers as tough, stoic warriors may be accurate, it is not the whole story. Spartan soldiers did have time for fun and leisure activities, and they enjoyed a wide range of pursuits beyond military training. From sports and games to social gatherings and cultural events, the Spartans knew how to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company.

Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories


Leave a Comment