The Music of Tyrtaeus
After 40 years of slavery, the Messenians revolted under Aristomenes. He defeated the Spartans and even hung a trophy in their temple. An oracle told Sparta to get an Athenian general. Athens sent the lame schoolmaster Tyrtaeus, perhaps as a joke. But Tyrtaeus sang war songs that inspired the Spartans so much that they won. Aristomenes was captured and thrown with other prisoners into the pit called Ceadas.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Notes that Messenians revolted under Aristomenes after 40 years
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Athens sent Tyrtaeus: possibly as a joke about Spartan values
Significance
Explains that inspiration can be more powerful than physical strength
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