The Two Main Factors Shaping Spartan Society
What were the two main factors that determined the character of Spartan society?
A) the Spartan distrust of Athens and Spartan desire to compete with the Athenians.
B) the conquest of Arcadia and the revival of trade.
C) the rigorous training of a Spartan warrior and the desire for glory.
D) the conquest of Messenia and the enslavement of the Helots.
Answer:
The two main factors that determined the character of Spartan society were the conquest of Messenia and the enslavement of the Helots, and the rigorous training of a Spartan warrior and the desire for glory. These factors shaped the militaristic and hierarchical nature of Spartan society.
Option D correctly identifies one of the main factors that shaped Spartan society. The conquest of Messenia, a neighboring region, allowed the Spartans to enslave the local population known as the Helots. The Helots provided agricultural labor and were an essential part of the Spartan economy, but they were also subject to strict control and suppression. This system of Helot enslavement created a distinct social hierarchy in which the Spartans, as the ruling class, focused on military training and maintaining their dominance over the Helots.
Option C also highlights another significant factor in Spartan society. The Spartans were renowned for their rigorous military training from a young age. Boys underwent intense physical and military education in order to become skilled warriors. The pursuit of glory and honor in battle was a central aspect of Spartan culture and identity.
Together, the conquest of Messenia and the enslavement of the Helots, along with the emphasis on military training and glory, formed the foundation of Spartan society and its distinct characteristics.
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