Sparta

Life in Sparta was tough, brave, and disciplined. Boys left home at age seven to join military schools called the agoge, where they trained to fight, hunt, and survive on very little food. They learned to march barefoot, steal food without getting caught, and endure pain without showing fear. If they cried, they were punished to become stronger.

Only the strongest babies were allowed to live — weak ones were left to die on the mountainside, because Spartans believed strength kept the city safe. Women in Sparta were also strong and athletic. They ran, wrestled, and managed farms while the men fought in wars. A Spartan mother might tell her son, “Come back with your shield, or on it,” meaning win or die bravely trying.