Agoge

The Agoge was the rigorous education and training system of ancient Sparta, designed to produce disciplined, skilled, and loyal citizens. Beginning at a young age, Spartan boys underwent intense physical training, combat skills, survival techniques, and leadership development. It emphasized resilience, obedience, and communal loyalty, often in challenging conditions, to prepare them for military service and civic responsibility. The Agoge was a core part of Spartan society, shaping its warriors and society’s values, contrasting with more liberal upbringing in other Greek city-states. It was both a state institution and a powerful cultural force that defined Spartan identity.