Throughout history, few armies as exceptional as the ancient Greek Spartan army have been as revered for their dedication to combat. Indeed, the term “spartan” now serves as an adjective, which connotes fearlessness, severe disciplinarian leadership, and simple design! The military history of Sparta is a fascinating one, which is quite literally the stuff of legends. Here’s a look at one of history’s most famed armies, and Armory Replicas’ items which pay homage to it:

The concept of the Spartan army was first devised by the philosopher Lycurgus, who famously spoke of Sparta as having “a wall of men, rather than bricks.” Lycurgus proposed a lifestyle reformation with a staunch focus on military, with respect to such virtues as equality, physical fitness, austerity, and strength. Men’s involvement with military actions began as early as infancy, when only the strong were nurtured and cared for. From age seven onward, the stronger young boys began a process of rigorous military training.

In battle, the Spartan army proved to be fearsome. Though they did not introduce many ground-breaking strategic or tactical military concepts, the Spartan army’s rendition of time-honored military practices and techniques proved a model for future armies of antiquity. The Spartans were successful in many battles, but they did have a breaking point. During the Peloponnesian War, the Spartans’ troops struggled fighting against light troops, and their tactics to fight against them proved less successful than planned. The Thebians increased their depth at part of their formation, and then the Spartan phalanx broke.

Still, the training methods, brute force, and ornate weaponry of the Spartan army inspire imitations even to the present day! One need only see how many sports teams around the world are named “Spartans,” most notably Michigan State University’s teams, and how few are named “Thebians” to see evidence of the Spartan army’s legacy!

The weaponry of the Spartans in particular inspires the modern imagination, often serving as a model for weaponry used in modern film and stage adaptions of ancient battle. The Spartans were distinguished by crimson cloaks, and were equipped with bronze cuirasses, the Doru spear, various swords, and a variety of helmets.

Armory Replicas offers a wide variety of unique weaponry and armor inspired by the legacy of the Spartan army. From spears to helmets and replica swords, see what Armory Replicas has to offer today!