The ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was known for its strict adherence to militaristic principles and its unique approach to education and social structure. One aspect of Spartan culture that stood out from other Greek cities was their emphasis on community loyalty above all else, which often conflicted with personal desires and preferences. This is perhaps best exemplified by the way they approached love and marriage. While most Greeks practiced monogamy and were encouraged to form lasting bonds based on romantic attraction, Spartans valued communal obligation and were expected to maintain strict rules regarding sexual relations. By limiting personal expression and freedom of choice in this way, Spartan religious ideology suppressed individual romantic exclusivity in favor of communal loyalty.
To understand why Sparta took such an unconventional stance on love and sex, one must consider their military system. The Spartan army was an integral part of society, and every able-bodied male citizen was required to serve in it from the age of seven until thirty. Training was rigorous, and men were expected to remain fit and prepared for battle at all times. Married life was seen as a distraction, so Spartans were discouraged from forming lasting relationships and having children. Instead, they lived in barracks and trained together, with no time or energy left over for private pursuits. In addition, marriage was viewed as a burden since wives were tasked with bearing strong sons who would become soldiers and husbands, but whose deaths in battle meant the loss of both child and parent.
This lack of personal attachment made it easy for Spartans to view love and sex as mere physical pleasures that did not require emotional investment. Men were free to engage in casual affairs without fear of betrayal or jealousy, while women were expected to be subservient to male desires. This attitude was reinforced by the cult of Artemis Orthia, the goddess of fertility and virginity. Her temple in Sparta was where young girls went to lose their virginity before marriage, but it also doubled as a brothel where men could pay for sexual services. By promoting promiscuity among men and devaluing female virtue, Spartan religion served to undermine any sense of romantic exclusivity.
This communal approach to sex had its drawbacks. While it may have ensured that every soldier remained focused on his duties, it also created a culture of rampant sexual violence and exploitation. Women and even young boys were often subjected to unwanted advances, leading to an environment of mutual mistrust and resentment. The result was a society in which love and intimacy were considered weaknesses rather than strengths, and individuals were discouraged from forming deep bonds with one another. In this way, Spartan religious ideology effectively suppressed personal romance in favor of collective obligation, creating a society where communal loyalty was prioritized above all else.
How did Spartan religious ideology suppress romantic exclusivity in favor of communal loyalty?
Although Sparta was known for its military prowess and strict discipline, it also had a unique approach to religion that emphasized community over individualism. The Spartans believed that their city-state should come before any other allegiances, including those of family or lovers. This belief was rooted in their religion, which valued loyalty to the group above all else.