'Account for the Social Struct

             'Account for the Social structure of Spartan Society'
             The structure of the Spartan society developed in order to maintain control of the large discontent population of Helots. Although only speculation, this theory is also held by many modern historians. The society of the Spartans developed in order to produce superior warriors whose sole aim was to maintain their way of life through the control of the Helots. The development of a Spartan in order to become an invincible warrior involved their severe education system [agoge] compulsory to all Spartan citizens. Furthermore the Kryptia, syssition, and womens role in firstly developing strong babies were develop to enhance the discipline, austerity and devotion to the state which was critical in controlling the helots.
             Initially the annexation of Messene provided Sparta with a great wealth of resources, land and slaves [in addition to original Laconian slaves]. According to Kathryn Welch, this allowed the 'privileged class [Spartiates] in Sparta to become a full time army' that could concentrate on a militaristic lifestyle. Archaeological excavation of the Spartan polis show that a dramatic decline in material refinements of living occurred during the 6th and 5th centuries, about the time of the Helot revolt which caused the 2nd Messenian war. It is suggested that Lycurgus was employed in reply to the revolt, where he created the Spartan society under which, according to Xenophon 'they (Spartans) flourished'. But there is too much conjecture as to whether Lycurgus even existed. A. Andrews described the Lycurgus legend was 'the most successful fraud in history'. Many historians, including J.B Bury and R. Meiggs disregard the development of the Lycurgan system because of the mystery surrounding it, but instead put forward the idea that the Spartans developed their militaristic lifestyle in order to be constantly 'prepared to meet a ...

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