intellectual master of twenty centuries."

FOOTNOTES:

[17] Brother Azarias, "Essays Philosophical."

CHAPTER X

SPARTA

=Literature.=--(See general literature for Greece.) _Sankey_, Spartan
and Theban Supremacies; _Smith_, History of Greece; _Plutarch's_ Lives;
_Mombert_, Great Lives; _Spofford_, Library of Historical Characters.

=History.=--Sparta was the capital of Laconia, the southern province of
Greece. Its inhabitants consisted of:--

1. _Citizens_, composed of nine thousand families of nobles, who ruled
the other classes.

2. _Perioeci_,[18] composed of thirty thousand families of freemen who
lived in the territory surrounding Sparta, but who were subject to the
nobles.

3. _Helots_,[19] about three hundred thousand in number, who were
slaves.

The Perioeci and the helots, with the love of freedom characteristic
among the Greeks, chafed under their yoke of subjugation, and eagerly
watched for opportunities for revolt. Only by an exercise of superior
force could the nobles maintain their supremacy, and they were obliged
to seek by martial training the strength they lacked in numbers. Hence
the education of the Spartan youth was of necessity military, and every
citizen was trained to become a warrior.

The Spartans were dignified, austere, and of few words, "laconic" in
speech. The young were expected to be silent in the presence of their
elders except when addressed. They were taught to give way to their
seniors, especially to old men, whenever they met upon the street or in
a public place.

=The Home.=--The child was left in charge of the mother until six or
seven years of age. Toys inciting to warlike sports were provided, and
childhood was made happy. The father usually superintended the child's
training, but sometimes an aged relative assumed the responsibility. The
treatment was humane and intelligent. From the first the child was
taught implicit obedience and modesty.

The _Iliad_ and the _Odyssey_ have been called the Bible of the Greeks,
and children early learned extracts from the works of the great poet,
Homer. The Spartan mother was highly respected by her husband and her
children, and she was noted for her chastity and nobility of character.
She entered fully into the Spartan idea, and cheerfully gave her sons to
her country, while she often inspired them to deeds of bravery and
patriotism. The lofty and self-sacrificing patriotism of the Spartan
mother is illustrated by he