A minimal ration of food was given. This was meant to encourage the boys to be resourceful and steal to supplement their diet. Even though thievery was required for survival, it was also severely punished.

During the festival of the goddess Artemis Ortheia, older boys tried to pick up as many pieces of cheese as possible while running a gauntlet of guards. This was meant to display their physical prowess and their bravery. Some boys were beaten so badly they died.

Facts

• Fighting and violent games were encouraged among Spartan boys.

• Girls were also raised under tough physical conditions that included athletics.

• Spartan Olympic champions had the honor of fighting next to the king.

• Sparta had no coins but traded only in awkward iron bars.

• Spartans could only travel on state business, and foreigners weren't admitted without good reason.

• At age 20 a male became a citizen soldier. An individual could marry had to live in the barracks until age 30

• At age 60 an individual retired from the military to a life of public service and teaching.

SOURCES: "The Wars of Ancient Greece"; "Time Frame 600-400 BC: A Soaring Spirit"; World Book Encyclopedia; ancienthistory.about.com; oplite.co.uk; wsu.edu; laconis.org