IntroWhat most people would see today as a small and insignificant city-state in Greece, Sparta thousands of years ago was an extremely powerful civilization. It was extremely small compared to most twenty-first century towns and cities. However, Sparta still holds its respect, as its historical impact is of epic proportions. Modern culture still reflects the influences of ancient Sparta and Greece. Movies like 300 glorify the Spartans and have built a strong Spartan reputation even though it was a long time ago. Many sports teams use Spartans as their mascots, because Spartans symbolize strength, courage, and courage. Why? Spartan Army In ancient Greece, the Spartans, or Spartans, as they called themselves, were considered the largest army in the country. This reputation has been achieved by multiple things. The Spartans were well known for agōgē, their rigorous military training. If you were a healthy male in ancient Sparta you had to be forced to join. Many other Greek city-states were envious of Spartan war stories and Spartan glory in battle, courage, and honor. More importantly, the other Greek poleis became aware of Sparta's military power through first-hand experience of fighting alongside the Spartans in the Persian Wars, and later fighting against them in conflicts such as the Peloponnesian War. Sparta's reputation was built on the brutality and intensive training that their young boys and men had to endure. The way the Spartans treated teenagers and children is not something that would be condoned today, but it was the reason for the Spartan success. The Spartan lifestyle transformed their strongest men into fearsome killing machines that struck fear into the eyes of their hapless adversaries. The G...... middle of paper... war." The Spartans valued honor and courage above all else. Every soldier wanted to die gloriously on the battlefield and at least take someone else with him. Plutarch tells that Spartan women were proud of their husbands in the army and these women are said to often say, "Come back with it [the soldier's shield] or carry it forward!" Sayings like these demonstrate the Spartan character very well it was not tolerated and was the gravest sin a citizen of Sparta could commit. Spartan men initially served until death as most soldiers would not make it past thirty years of age they would still be honored with any more and they would be relieved of their duties in the army. The Spartans thrived on their social status and how much others respected and honored them, even if the Spartans' only goal in life was to die for Sparta..