Training

Question 1

At what age did Spartans boys enter the Initial phase of training?

Answer 1

7-early teens

Question 2

How were Spartan boys split up in the Initial Phase?

Answer 2

• Put into ‘packs’ with boys of a similar age
• Led by boys in their late teens called prefects

Question 3

What would the Spartan prefects do?

Answer 3

• Supervise the boys at all times
• Whip boys for any misbehaviour

Question 4

What was taught in the Initial Phase?

Answer 4

• Very little reading or writing
• No philosophy
• Emphasis on physical excellence and unquestioning obedience
• Music and dancing to develop precision and teamwork

Question 5

What were boys encouraged to do in the Initial Phase?

Answer 5

Fight one another to toughen up and encourage competitiveness

Question 6

How old were Spartans in the Second Phase of the Agoge?

Answer 6

Early to late teens

Question 7

How were Spartan boys toughened in the Second phase?

Answer 7

• Could only walk around barefoot
• Trained naked

Question 8

How did Spartan boys learn to do without luxuries in the Second Phase?

Answer 8

• Only given one cloak to last the whole year
• Had to build their own beds from reeds they collected themselves, without the use of knives

Question 9

How much food would Spartans get in the Second phase and what were they encouraged to do?

Answer 9

• very little food to ensure they could survive on harsh rations on campaigns
• They were encouraged to steal more for themselves but would be punished if caught

Question 10

How were boys in the second phase kept unrebellious?

Answer 10

• Told to cut their hair short
• Stayed silent in public
• Kept their eyes on the ground as a sign of respect for elders

Question 11

What would a mentor do

Answer 11

Lover and mentor
- There would be competition amongst men to mentor the strongest boys

Question 12

What was the final phase of the Agoge called?

Answer 12

Krypteia

Question 13

What would members of the Kyrpteia do?

Answer 13

• Go on solo missions into the countryside and murder any helots they found
• Watch helots as they worked and killed any who seemed too strong or influential

Question 14

Did Athens have military training?

Answer 14

No formal training
- But citizens were expected to serve until the age of 60, so families may have ensured their sons had some sort of training

Question 15

What evidence is there for physical training in Athens?

Answer 15

• Middle class Athenians would fight using the Phalanx, which required cooperation, endurance and synchronicity
• An Athenian boy’ education would usually include physical education
• Athletic training and competitions may have served as battle preparation

Question 16

What evidence is there that Athenians didn’t train for battle?

Answer 16

• Most Athenian men had to work, so wouldn’t have had much time

Question 17

What training would the Athenian navy have?

Answer 17

• Training took place over a couple of days for rowers to practice rowing, steering and timing

Question 18

How much training would a Roman recruit undertake?

Answer 18

• 4 months of basic training before being enrolled
• Training would the continue for the next 25 years

Question 19

What was a core part of Roman training and why was it important?

Answer 19

• Marching drills
• Important as soldiers needed to be able to march long distances with heavy packs on campaign

Question 20

How far would a Roman soldier be expected to march?

Answer 20

20 miles in 5 hours with a full pack

Question 21

How would Roman soldiers improve their fitness?

Answer 21

Swimming
Running
Jumping and riding horses

Question 22

What did Roman weapon training involve?

Answer 22

• Fighting practice against a scarecrow
• A heavy wicker shield and wooden sword meant no-one was hurt and built up strength
• They’d also practice throwing their pilum at the scarecrow

Question 23

What else would Romans train in?

Answer 23

• Dismounting and mounting in full armour
• Shield training
• How to build camps, roads and forts

Question 24

What happened when a Roman recruit reached his Legionary Fortress?

Answer 24

• He took the military oath
• Promised to follow the Emperor’s orders and never desert or flee

Question 25

How would Romans be punished for breaking their military oath?

Answer 25

• Fines or reduction of food ration
• Flogging in front of their century or legion
• Demotion or being given extra duties
• Execution

Question 26

What was the harshest Roman punishment?

Answer 26

Decimation
- Normally only used if the legion attempted to mutiny or displayed unacceptable cowardice
- Groups were split into ten men and then draw lots- who ever lost would be beaten to death by the other nine