Cultural Life In Sparta

Spartan Cultural Life Spartan life was plain and simple but early Sparta had a lively culture and produced fine painted pottery, beautifully carved ivories, magnificent bronzes and everyday items of value and beauty.

Spartans enjoyed a rich cultural life in the 7th Century BC Laconian pottery, bronzes and carvings are evidence for cultural continuity and development during the 7th and 6th centuries BC Spartan poetry and music were renowned in Greece during the 7th century BC Music was part of Spartan military and social life Cultural stagnation and then decline is apparent in Sparta by the 5th century BC

Painted Vessels Laconian pottery vessels are valued for the richness of their decoration and their technical achievement in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. The first style is geometric. Occasionally animal or human figures are depicted but they are always part of a larger decorative scheme.

The second grouping is characterized by the predominance of friezes, decorative bands, made up of animals or birds, or a decorative patterning made up of fish and dolphins.

The third grouping is characterised by a scene or narrative story taken from life or mythology. These types of pots are valuable for historians and archaeologists as they show aspects of Spartan life such as hunting, riding, fighting and religious worship.

Painted Vessels

Painted Vessels The Laconian Kylix (wine cup) was an export item and many examples have been found throughout Europe.

Painted Vessels Black Figure Kylix Hunting Scene Attributed to the Hunt Painter 550 -525BC

Painted Vessels Arkesilaos Cup c.580BC The king is depicted watching cargo (the valuable herb sylphion) being loaded into a boat

Ivory and Bone Carving Many fine bone and ivory carvings have been found at the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. The ivory had to be imported from traders in Syria As a result the decoration has a strong artistic influence from the East.

Ivory and Bone Carving Ivory plaque showing a ship (24 cms)

Ivory and Bone Carving 660BC Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia

Bronzes The Spartans excelled at Bronze work. Surviving bronzes in Sparta tend to be small figurines. Massive bronze vessels have been found in Europe. Decorative schemes depict mythology and military motifs. The number of items provides evidence for the extensive use of this alloy in everyday life.

Bronzes The Vix Krater Mid 6th Century BC Used for mixing water and wine, although designed for display Found in Celtic grave Weighs 200kg Holds 1200 litres Relief depicts hoplites with armour and shields

Bronzes Bronze figurine of Spartan girl 550-540BC Found at Sanctuary of Zeus

Architecture No remains of Spartan houses have been excavated. Most architectural examples in Sparta are the foundations of temples. We know about the appearance of many buildings due to the writing of the traveller Pausanias in the 2nd Century AD.

The Temple of Artemis Orthia Two temples have been located on the site c.700BC and 580BC after flooding. The sturdy foundations were also used in successive rebuilding and remodelling through to Roman times.

The Menelaion Shrine dedicated to Menelaos and Helen 5 kms north east of Sparta. A small but still monumental building with a pedimental (triangular) roof and terracotta tiles.

The Amyklaion Pausanias provides us with a description of the shrine of Apollo at Amyklai and the tomb of Hyakinthos. The primary function of the building was to serve as a ‘throne’ for an ancient cult statue of Apollo. There is not enough surviving evidence to tell us what the building actually looked like.

The Temple of Athena Chalkioikos The Spartan architect Gitiadas designed the temple of Athena ‘of the Bronze House’ and the cult statue of the goddess, but only the footprint of the building has survived. We have descriptions of the building from Pausanias in the 2nd Century AD. The bronze decorations give the temple its name.

Music and Poetry in Sparta Sparta was renowned for its fine music. In the 7th century it was an outstanding musical centre attracting the most famous musicians and poets from Greece. Spartan music was particularly famous for songs sung by dancing choruses. They were accompanied by string and wind instruments.

Music and Poetry in Sparta Young Spartans were taught traditional songs about the gods, Spartan heroes and military, social and political values. It was also believed that good music and rhythm would create better citizens. Singing and dancing brought everyone in step with one another. Music was a socialising influence because through blending their voices and playing set parts the singers learned to co-operate and fit in with others.

Music and the Army Music and dancing were related to the hoplite drill and to psychological preparation for battle. Thucydides comments that the Spartans marched into battle to the sound of flutes. This encouraged no breaking of the line.

Tyrateus the “soldier’s poet” Wrote poetry that was sung by Spartan men, especially the army. Themes included patriotism, bravery, courage and honour. The purpose of the poetry was didactic - designed to teach boys the correct attitudes which were endorsed by the state. His poetry is valuable for the insights it gives us to the mentality of Spartan soldiers and the descriptions of formations and armour.

Alcman First Greek choral poet whose works are known to us. Was sensitive to the natural attractions of the region. He wrote works for girls to sing in their maiden chorus.