Sayings of Spartan women

I think our view of Sparta is influenced by two main things:

1. Spartan propaganda. It was in Sparta’s interest to portray themselves as crazy, devoted warriors who relished the thought of dying for their country. How would you feel going up against a bunch of guys who would rather die on the field of battle than go home in defeat and have their own mothers kill them.

2. We actually don’t have surviving first person Spartan accounts. Most of what we know about the Spartans comes from others- mainly the Athenians. Now the Athenians as bitter rivals to the Spartans also found it in their interest to portray the Spartans as crazy warrior psychopaths.

We know from history that the Spartans actually lost battles. Also in those battles, there were a lot of Spartan survivors who actually surrendered. In addition, we actually have no historical record of any mass killings of losing soldiers by their mothers.

So take what you read about Spartan warriors with a huge grain of salt.

One criticism I do have is it's all about dying, as in, losing. We lack a clarity. It's easier than most people think. Light those people up. Have skill. Be cagey. But don't kid yourself. You're dealing with animals who lack your compassion. Your past victim-hood means nothing, just blood in the water. The people who do claim it wins popularity and softness works have fooled you and the most malicious ones of them all. They actively seek your destruction. This isn't kindergarten!