023 THIS IS SPARTA
The History of Ancient Greece
00:00
The Importance of Moderation in Sparta
The Sissidia were in some ways analogous to the symposia, or drinking parties, enjoyed by Greeks elsewhere. Though the Greeks usually mix their wine with water, helots were brought in and forced to consume undiluted wine; they also performed vulgar songs and dances. The experience of spending so much time in the Sissidia, schooled Sparta's young men in the values of their society. There, they learned to call all older men as father to emphasize that their primary loyalty was to the group, not their genetic families.
Transcript
Play full episode
