Battle

Question 1

Who was Tyrtaeus?

Answer 1

Sparta’s national poet. A war poet, originally from Athens (oracle at Delphi encouraged them to get him in to help their army)

Question 2

What did Tyrtaeus’ poems do?

Answer 2

They urged Spartan soldiers to live up to their city’s warrior ideals.

Question 3

Were Tyrtaeus’ poems accepted by Spartiates?

Answer 3

Yes! His songs became a part of Spartan culture and were sung by later generations at the common messes and round the campfire (especially before battle).

Question 4

What did the phalanx require?

Answer 4

All Spartans fighting together in massed ranks. (first deployed in around 670BC during 2nd Messenian war)

Question 5

How did the phalanx help the state become less individualist?

Answer 5

It replaced the concept of fighting for individual glory, with the ideal of sacrificing one’s life for the common good.