Hello, scientist Noah Matricciani speaking. Today I decided to visit the ancient Greek city state called Sparta. For the day, I toured around the city state to see it's government, traditions, economy, life style, daily work, and what it's education is like here. Sparta is located in a fertile location that is very isolated. In fact, it is so isolated that it is surrounded on three sides by mountains. This city didn't often connect with other nations because Sparta was able to grow it's own food so they didn't need to trade. This city state values three characteristics to a person: Strength, simplicity, and military skills. From what I've seen so far, this country is very military based. Even the educational system is primarily based on military skills. Boys and girls are both taught here to defend the city state at all costs. In fact, boys began military training at age 7 and finished their duty at age 60. Your success in life is all about military service. Like at age 20 you have to take an exam that test your physical fitness, leadership skills, and military ability. If you passed this test, you immediately became a soldier and a full citizen. As you can probably guess this test was very hard. As a matter of fact, two days ago I took the test and I didn't pass. It looks like I not going to become a Spartan citizen anytime soon. Well, after the test, if you passed, the Spartans wanted you to primarily focus on your career as a soldier so you can't live at your home until the age of 30. Even if you are married and have children you still can't live with them.
The government of this city-state is an Oligarchy, where the government is in the hands of multiple people. This form of government had an assembly and a council. Where the council thought of soon to be laws and the assembly voted on them. The council had two kings and 28 other men and the two kings inherited power and shared it equally. To be one of the men on the council of elders you have to be at least 60 and belong to a noble family. The assembly can be overthrown by the council. Three days ago, I was invited to watch the council in session and it was basically completely silent. You see, there is absolutely no debating. You either say "Yes" or "No" and thats that.
The economy of this city-state relies primarily on farming and capturing other lands; and they also depend on slaves and non-citizens for work. Sparta had a group of slaves called Helots who are allowed to live in their own villages, but have to pay high taxes and give most of their crops to the city-states. Sparta used non-citizens to fight in the army but as I mentioned before, they weren't allowed to be members of the council. The currency for this city-state is iron bars which are really heavy so stealing never really happens here. This nation was also very secluded because the Spartans usually keep to themselves and didn't want to trade with other city-states.
Women and slaves are treated very well in this city-state. Like they can both own property because when the men are fighting, the women have to look after the land and the house. Even Helots are allowed to become citizens if they pass the physical fitness test at age 20.
I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave Sparta tomorrow but it is a very interesting place to watch as daily life goes on. Now, what place should I go to next...
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