Life in Ancient Greece

We have learned that in many of the Greek states including Sparta and Athens. Childhood was very different for that of modern children. Boys spent their whole lives growing up in school and the military. Many left home at a very young age. Lycurgus gave us a glimpse of the childhood of a Spartan boy in leaving home at 7 then playing war games until 18 when he actually served in the military. At the age of 30 they became adults (citizens) in the eyes of the State. Many married at this time and continued the traditions. Most took wives of a young age who had been trained in state education with the their male counterparts. Girls where sheltered more during their schooling by living at home yet they had the freedom to enjoy life and develop friendships. Girls often married at 16 when most of the boys they grew up with prepared for a life in the military. Spartan Boys eventually became Spartan Men who were warriors and heroes to those around them. They eventually became the stuff of legends. Spartan girls became Spartan Women at a young age and held the roll of mistress of the house. She held dominion over the slaves of the home and yet was not a citizen herself. Many Spartan women were held in high esteem as the mothers of great warriors even though their sons left them at 7 to become the men they did.