The Spartan Training

Lycurgus made strict laws for raising children. Babies were examined by elders; weak or deformed ones were left to die on a mountain. Children stayed home until age seven, learning Greek legends and Homer. Then boys were given to the state for training in one rough garment year-round. They learned little reading but memorized Homer and patriotic songs. They were trained to endure pain and hardship through long marches and sleeping on rushes.