Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Great Spartan Sword

By Todd Alan

The one name, Sparta, has begun many discussions on the Greeks and the Spartan sword which was a part of historic times. Athens and Sparta, the two competitors, which battled for supremacy among the ancient city states that consisted of brave soldiers who were trained in classical warfare from as young children.

Having been trained in skilled combat, the great Spartan sword was the most deadly weapon for a soldier in a phalanx. A high degree of discipline and knowledge was required for the fighters to maintain their formations in combat.

A short and brutal battle during the many wars like the Polynesian War, the Greco Persian Wars, the Battle of the Marathons, eulogized by many a poet and historian, repeatedly speak of the Spartan sword and the shield as the primary weapons for the fighters.

A statue of King Lyonidas I in Sparta is a perfect example of a warrior king, something that every Spartan learned how to do since birth, fight for their honor and respect for the land. The land was above everything else and one would either come back a winner from a battle or die for ones own land. King Lyonidas Spartan sword held ready for action in combat stands truth to the Spartans significance on fighting for their rights and their state. The state was above everything else.

Life has moved on from the fifth century BC. Modern methods of warfare have evolved and people have evolved technologically. At the press of a button man is able to destroy, annihilate a whole nation, without so much as moving an extra muscle. The age of innovation has pushed us on to new frontiers the Greeks would never have imagined. But they were the original creators of democracy, they sowed the seeds of a civilized democratic society, taught the world organized, disciplined methods of warfare. The Spartan sword remains today a symbol of a nation which raises its artistic weapon high over its head, ready for action, ready for anything to die with honor for ones country and ones fellow men. - 16651

About the Author: