Plutarch On Sparta

Introduction

Plutarchs On Sparta is a book about the Spartan way of life and what made that way of life better than ways found in other Greek city-states. Plutarch begins by praising the Spartans for their military prowess, their focus on physical fitness, and their simple lifestyles. He goes on to argue that the Spartans political system is superior to that of Athens, as it allows for stability and prevents faction fighting. Plutarch also claims that the Spartan system of education produces citizens who are more virtuous than those of other city-states. Essentially, in Plutarchs On Sparta, the Spartan way of life is held up as an example of a society that values duty, discipline, and obedience above all else. Plutarchs main thesis is that Spartas focus on military training and austerity allowed it to create a strong and unified city-state that was able to withstand any enemy. While Plutarch admits that the Spartan way of life may not be suitable for everyone, he nonetheless believes that it offers an impressive model for other societies to emulate. Thus, Plutarch argues that Sparta is the best city-state in Greece and that its citizens are the most virtuous people in the world.

What On Sparta Covers

Plutarch covers a variety of topics in On Sparta, including the lives of Spartas leaders, such as Lycurgus, Agesilaus, Agis, and Cleomenes; and important Spartan Sayings of both men and women, which help to give context to the Spartan way of life, the Spartan culture, and Spartan wisdom. He describes how Spartans learned to master their feelings from a young age and why this learning helped them to become such superior warriors. He covers the harsh training conditions that young Spartan boys underwent. He also describes how Spartan serfs or slaves were treated somewhat cruelly. Throughout all of this, Plutach describes a city-state that is unique and entirely unlike other Greek city-states at the time. His major supporting argument for why Sparta is so superior to other city-states is the fact that Sparta valued discipline and toughness above all else. For a Spartan, what mattered most was doing ones duty, so it could be argued that it was the first city-state in Greece that really held a deontological ethical system as the foundation of its moral society.

Plutarch supports his thesis quite well with a number of anecdotes and detailed stories that help bring the main point to life: one sees how the training of children and the emphasis on sacrifice helped to shape boys into men and a society into a warrior state. Plutarchs reason is always sound as the evidence he supplies to support his views comes from many different sources (some of which have been lost to time). The book is organized both chronologically and topically, with the lives of Spartan leaders appearing chronologically, but other topics, such as sayings, organized by subject.

The authors approach is that of political, social, and intellectual history. He provides context for political history by discussing Spartas leaders; social and intellectual history are viewed through the lens of Spartan sayings, and through the subjects of Spartan culture, child-rearing, and so on.

The book has a...

…they could be cruel at times. I must say, however, that I probably would not have liked to live in Sparta, even if it can be celebrated for its virtue and integrity. I probably would have preferred to live in Athensbut this too would have its drawbacks. All in all, Plutarchs book gave me a lot to think about with respect to the ancient Grecian world.

Conclusion

Plutarchs On Sparta is a work that offers a good summation of the history, culture, and society of the Spartan people. The work begins with an overview of Spartan history, tracing the origins of the Spartan state back to its founding by Menelaus and Lycurgus. It then goes on to describe the unique aspects of Spartan society, including their strict military training and their public institutions such as the agoge. The work also includes a discussion of Spartan culture, focusing on their love of athletics and their focus on stoic virtues such as self-control and bravery. Finally, Plutarch offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of Spartans, from their simple diet to their austere lifestyle. In all, On Sparta provides a fascinating overview of one of the most unique societies in the ancient world for Plutarch covers everything from Spartans childhood education to their military training to their marriage customs. He praises Sparta for its dedication to military excellence, its focus on communal living, and its tolerance for different cultures. Plutarch also includes some criticism of Sparta, such as its treatment of women and its reliance on slave labor. However, overall, the book provides a positive portrayal of the…