Spartan Quotes + Their Meanings/Explanations

"Spartan Quotes" refers to a collection of quotes that encapsulate the ethos and mindset of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta. These quotes are known for their directness, brevity, and emphasis on discipline, bravery, and endurance.

They often highlight the strict training and rigorous lifestyle that Spartans adhered to, as well as their unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and military prowess. Spartan Quotes serve as a reminder of the Spartan values and principles that continue to inspire and resonate with individuals seeking strength, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Below are various spartan quotes with their meanings/explanations;

“The walls of Sparta were its young men, and its borders the points of their spears.” - Agesilaus, Spartan King

Sparta was a city-state in ancient Greece that was known for its military prowess. Its walls were made up of young men, and its borders were the points of their spears. Sparta was able to maintain its independence and power by relying on its military might.

“From the time he could stand, he was baptized in the fire of combat. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender, but death on the battlefield in service to Sparta was the greatest glory he could achieve in his life.” - Dilios, 300

Dilios was a young man when he was first baptized into the Spartans' way of life. He grew up learning that dying in combat, even if it meant surrendering, was the greatest honor a Spartan could achieve. This ethos constantly pushed him to be the best he could be and it ultimately led to him becoming one of Sparta's most skilled warriors. Dilios never retreated from battle, even when faced with overwhelming odds, and his service to Sparta was legendary.

“No retreat, no surrender; that is Spartan law. And by Spartan law, we will stand and fight, and die.” - King Leonidas, 300

The phrase "no retreat, no surrender" is a military saying that means soldiers will never give up and will fight to the death. This phrase comes from Spartan law, which was a system of law in ancient Sparta. This law was very strict and required that if a soldier was captured, they would have to fight until they were killed or captured. This system made Sparta one of the most successful military powers of its time.

“This is where we hold them! This is where we fight! This is where they die! Remember this day, for it will be yours for all time.” - King Leonidas, 300

This is a complex and powerful statement designed to intimidate the listener. It is a declaration of the speaker's power and dominance over the situation. It also serves as a reminder to the listener of the importance of this day, in order to ensure that it will be remembered for all time.

“Son, remember your courage with each step.” - Spartan Mother

The phrase "remember your courage" is an exhortation to the son. Courage is a key component of success. The son is advised to remember his courage at each step in his life, as this will help him to overcome any challenges that he may face.

“Rise up, warriors, take your stand at one another’s sides, our feet set wide and rooted like oaks in the ground… learn to love death’s ink-black shadow as much as you love the light of dawn. Here is courage, mankind’s finest possession, here is the noblest prize that a young man can endeavor to win.” - Tyrtaeus, Spartan Poet

 The speaker is urging them to stand together against death, which he sees as a shadow that is just as light as dawn. He asserts that this courage is mankind's best possession, and the noblest prize that a young man can strive for. He believes that this quality will lead to survival and ultimate victory over death.

“Won’t it be nice, then, if we shall have shade in which to fight them?” – Leonidas

The author is asking if it would be nice if they could fight in the shade. They are suggesting that it would be nice, but acknowledging that it might not be possible.

“In the end, a Spartan’s true strength is the warrior next to him. So give respect and honor to him, and it will be returned to you.” - King Leonidas, 300

In order to maximize one's potential as a warrior, it is important to have strong relationships with one's peers. Spartan society was built around this idea, and it is a key part of their culture. When one gives respect and honor to their comrades, they will return the favor. This is an essential quality for any successful group or unit, and it is something that Spartans excel at.

“No retreat, no surrender; that is Spartan law. And by Spartan law, we will stand and fight, and die.” - Leonidas, Spartan King

The phrase "no retreat, no surrender" is a military saying that means soldiers will never give up and will fight to the death. This phrase comes from Spartan law, which was a system of law in ancient Sparta. This law was very strict and required that if a soldier was captured, they would have to fight until they were killed or captured. This system made Sparta one of the most successful military powers of its time.

“If numbers are what matters, all Greece cannot match a small part of that army; but if courage is what counts, this number is sufficient.” - Leonidas, King of Sparta

Numbers are not the only factor that matters in war. Courage is also an important factor. The size of an army is not the only thing that matters; the courage of its troops is also important. This is why a small part of the Greek army is enough to match the size of the Turkish army.

“Come back with your shield, or upon it.” - Spartan Mother

When we refer to a "shield," it means our fundamental protection against harm. This idea of protection is captured in the phrase "Come back with your shield, or upon it." This quote suggests that we must protect ourselves both physically and emotionally, since no one knows what might happen in the future. To do this, we need to be prepared for anything.

“Come and take them.” – Leonidas

The speaker is asking someone to come and take the objects he has in his hand. He is likely implying that the objects are not going to stay where they are for very long and he would like them taken away before they become a nuisance or danger.

“Then we also are near to them.” – Leonidas

We are close to them in terms of space because they are physically close to us.

“If you had any knowledge of the noble things of life, you would refrain from coveting others’ possessions; but for me to die for Greece is better than to be the sole ruler over the people of my race.” – Leonidas

The speaker is making a comparison between dying for one's country, or race, and reigning over them. Dying for one's country is seen as a noble thing, while ruling over them is seen as being better than nothing. The speaker is saying that it would be better to die for one's country than to be the sole ruler.

“Because they believe the one to be Nature’s gift but the other to be within their own control.” – Leonidas

The first sentence, "Because they believe the one to be Nature's gift but the other to be within their own control.", introduces a dichotomy between two concepts. The first concept is that the one is nature's gift, and it's something that someone should just accept and not try to change or control. The second concept is that someone can control the other.

“It would be a regrettable waste. It would be nothing short of madness for you, brave king, and your valiant troops to perish. All because of a simple misunderstanding. There is much our cultures could share.” - Xerxes, 300

It would be a regrettable waste if the brave king and his valiant troops perished because of a simple misunderstanding. All cultures could benefit from sharing more, and it would be nothing short of madness for the king and his troops to perish because of this.

“If you confer a benefit, never remember it; if you receive one, never forget it.” - Chilon of Sparta

The phrase "if you confer a benefit, never remember it; if you receive one, never forget it" is a quote that means to take care not to rely on something good that someone has done for you in the past. The quote warns against giving someone the benefit of the doubt and expecting them to always repay the favor.

“There’s no room for softness… not in Sparta. No place for weakness. Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans. Only the hard, only the strong.” - Dillios, 300

There is no room for softness in Sparta. This is a warrior culture, and as such, any sign of weakness is not tolerated. Only the hard and strong may call themselves Spartans. Only the hard, only the strong will be accepted. This is a strict code of behavior that has been passed down for centuries.

“Why are not all present who intend to fight? Or do you not realize that the only men who fight against the enemy are those who respect and revere their kings.” – Leonidas

The phrase "those who respect and revere their kings" is a rhetorical question. The answer would be that those who want to fight are not present, because they do not respect or revere their kings. This is an example of an indirect speech verb, in which the speaker implies something without actually stating it.

“Learn to love death’s ink-black shadow as much as you love the light of dawn.” - Tyrtaeus, Spartan Poet

Death is a natural part of life. It is something that must be faced and accepted. We should learn to love death's ink-black shadow as much as we love the light of dawn. Death allows us to move on to the next phase of our life and to experience new things. Death also provides us with an opportunity to reunite with loved ones who have passed away.

“Spartans! Prepare for glory!” - King Leonidas, 300

The Spartans were a proud and highly disciplined group of warriors who were known for their fierce fighting abilities. They are considered to be one of the most successful military units in history, having won many battles and conquered many territories. The Spartan spirit is well known for being unyielding and determined, which is why they are often referred to as 'the invincible army'.

“In truth, I am taking many if they are all to be slain.” – Leonidas

The speaker is referring to all of the people they plan on slaying as part of their job. They may be taking this action in order to protect others, or because they believe it is their duty.

“Give them nothing, but take from them everything.” - King Leonidas,300

This statement is a way of saying that the speaker wants nothing from the person they are speaking to, but will take everything from them. This can be seen as a form of exploitation, in which the speaker takes advantage of the other person without giving anything back in return.

“The daughters of Sparta are never at home! They mingle with the young men in wrestling matches.” - Euripides

Sparta’s daughters are never at home. They are constantly mingling with young men in wrestling matches, which is a way for them to get experience and learn about life. This way, they will be able to make good decisions when they become women.

“There is no use for bravery unless justice is present, and no need for bravery if all men are just.” - Agesilaus, Spartan King

There is a long and complicated tradition of thought that argues that there is no use for bravery unless justice is present. This is because, according to this line of thinking, without justice being served, there can be no true bravery. As a result, it is argued that men who engage in brave acts without knowing that the society they live in operates on the principle of justice are doing so in vain.

“The Spartans are the equal of any men when they fight as individuals; fighting together as a collective, they surpass all other men.” - Demaratus, Spartan King

The Spartans are known for their discipline, training, and ability to fight as an individual unit and then combine their efforts as a collective. Their ethos of being the equal of any man when fighting as individuals has made them one of the most successful military cultures in history. However, when fighting together as a collective they are able to surpass all other men. This is due to their unique way of training and disciplining their troops which allows them to work as a team.

“Feel no fear before the multitude of men, do not run in panic, but let each man bear his shield straight toward the fore-fighters, regarding his own life as hateful and holding the dark spirits of death as dear as the radiance of the sun.” - Spartan Proverb

In this quote, the author is talking about how to face a battle. He says that it is important not to be scared and to face the enemy head on. He also says that each man should focus on his own survival and not worry about others.

“A new age has begun. An age of freedom, and all will know, that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it!” - King Leonidas, 300

The opening phrase, "A new age has begun," implies that this is a new era, or perhaps a new stage in history. The idea of freedom is important to the author, as it is often fought for and defended. The author believes that through knowledge and understanding, people can work together to be free. Ultimately, the author believes that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend freedom and all will know this fact.

“Either quit your thieving or quit breathing.” - Spartan Mother

either you quit stealing or you will be killed.

“Eat your breakfast as if you are to eat your dinner in the other world.” – Leonidas

First and foremost, it is important to begin your day by eating breakfast. The food you eat in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. By eating breakfast, you are setting yourself up for a successful day. You should also think about how you will eat your dinner later on in the night. Eating your breakfast as if you are to eat your dinner in the other world will help to prepare you for what lies ahead.

“You have many slaves, but few warriors. It won’t be long before they fear my spears more than your whips.” - King Leonidas, 300

The author is discussing how the number of slaves compared to warriors makes it likely that the slaves will soon fear their spears more than their whips. The author is saying that this trend will continue until either the slaves become more powerful or the warriors start fearing death more than slavery.

“If you men think that I rely on numbers, then all Greece is not sufficient, for it is but a small fraction of their numbers; but if on men’s valor, then this number will do.” – Leonidas

Greece is a small country by global standards, but its population is significant because of its military prowess. This becomes evident when considering the following: if you think that I rely on numbers alone to make decisions, then all Greece is not sufficient, for it is but a small fraction of their population (recorded at just over 10 million people as of 2016).

“He who sweats more in training bleeds less in war.” - Spartan Creed

 He is discussing the importance of preparing for war, and how those who prepare and sweat in training will bleed less in actual combat. This is because they will have practiced and prepared themselves sufficiently, and will not be as hindered by fear or anxiety.

“It is not a question of what a Spartan citizen should do, nor a husband, nor a king. Instead, ask yourself what should a free man do?” - Queen Gorgo, 300

It is not clear what a "spartan citizen" should do. If one were to ask what a free man should do, the answer would be much more complicated and individualized. One could ask what actions would contribute to the public good, or what actions would further one's own personal goals. It is up to each individual to weigh these factors and decide what is best for them.

“Freedom is what we reap from this way of life, my friend.” - Unknown

Freedom is an important value that we hold as humans. It is what we reap from this way of life. This means that our freedom is shaped by the choices that we make. Our freedom can be limited in many ways, but it can also be increased through our actions and choices.

“They say that the barbarian has come near and is coming on while we are wasting time. Truth, soon we shall either kill the barbarians or else we are bound to be killed ourselves.” – Leonidas

The author is saying that they are worried about the barbarians coming closer and that they should be doing something to protect themselves.

“The Gods will take care of the King's Army.” - Demaratus, Spartan King

The phrase "Gods will take care of the King's Army" is an ancient quote that means that the gods will help protect and support the king's army. This proverb is often used in times of war, to reassure the soldiers that they are supported and protected by the gods. The quote can also be used as a warning to those who might try to harm or oppose the king's army.

“The Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy but where are they.” - Plutarch

The Spartans did not care how many enemies they were facing, so long as they knew where they were. This strategy has been used by many militaries throughout history and is known as "seek and destroy." By knowing their enemy's whereabouts, the Spartan army could plan their attacks more efficiently and eliminate them more quickly.

“Begin with your own family.” - Unknown

Always start with your family.

“Your lips can finish what your fingers have started… or has the Oracle robbed you of your desire as well?” - Queen Gorgo, 300

The phrase "Your lips can finish what your fingers have started" is often used to describe the idea that something that someone has started can be completed by the person's lips. This phrase is often used in a figurative way, to describe the idea that someone's words or actions can be enough to complete something else. The phrase "Or has the Oracle robbed you of your desire as well?" is often used to describe the idea that something may have been taken away from somebody.

“Freedom isn’t free at all, that it comes with the highest of costs. The cost of blood.” - Queen Gorgo, 300

Freedom is not free at all. It comes with a cost, the highest of which is blood. In order to be free, one must sacrifice certain freedoms in order to maintain others. For example, one may have to give up some privacy in order to be safe from harm. Freedom also has costs associated with it such as time and money.

“Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender! Go spread the word. Let every Greek assembled know the truth of this. Let each among them search his own soul. And while you’re at it, search your own.” - King Leonidas, 300

Spartans were known for their unparalleled military prowess. This was exemplified by their refusal to retreat or surrender in the face of overwhelming odds. This mindset was passed down from generation to generation and became a defining characteristic of the Spartan way of life. It is our hope that every Greek assembled will know the truth of this and use it as a reminder not to give up in the face of adversity.

“Then we shall fight in the shade.” - Spartan leader Dieneces, (upon being told that the Persian army had so many arrows that they could hide the sun)

The author is suggesting that they will fight in the shade, because it is cooler there. This will protect them from the sun's heat.

“It will be the size of a lion when I bore down on my enemies.” - A Spartan (when asked why he had drawn a fly on his shield, instead of something more terrifying.)

The lion's size is an asset when it comes to attacking and subduing its prey. The lion's size also makes it a formidable threat to other animals in its environment.

“Only Spartan women give birth to real men.” - Gorgo, Queen of Sparta

In Plato's Symposium, Aristophanes discusses the nature of masculinity. He states that only Spartan women give birth to real men, because they are the only ones who genuinely engage in physical activity. This type of physical activity creates strong and courageous men, which is why Sparta is so successful.

“Unlike the cruel Leonidas, who demanded that you stand, I require only that you kneel.” - Xerxes, 300

The comparison between the two individuals is important because it sheds light on the difference between a demand and a requirement. The Leonidas example demonstrates that, in some cases, a demand can be considered cruel, while a requirement is less demanding. In this particular case, kneeling is deemed as a requirement, which is less demanding than standing because it does not require people to do something they may not want to do.

“So that we may get close to the enemy.” - Agesilaus, Spartan King (on why Spartans fought with short swords)

We want to get as close as possible to the enemy in order to observe them, assess their strength and formulate a plan of attack. This can be done in a number of ways, such as by using reconnaissance or surveillance assets, or by infiltrating the enemy's territory covertly. Once we have an idea of what the enemy is up to, we can develop a strategy to defeat them.

“The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many. And before this battle is over, that even a god king can bleed.” - King Leonidas, 300

The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many. And before this battle is over, even a god king can bleed. The outcome of this battle will be very clear to everyone.

“You should reach the limits of virtue before you cross the border of death.” - Aristodemus, Spartan Warrior

The phrase "the limits of virtue" is used to describe the point at which someone has done as much as possible to live a virtuous life. This point is typically reached by someone who is in good health, has enough resources, and doesn't face any serious threats. Crossing the border of death means doing something that is dangerous or may lead to death. This can include engaging in risky behavior, taking risks with one's own life, or making decisions that could result in death.

“That’s fine, for I shall show that it isn’t positions which lend men distinction, but men who enhance positions.” - Alexander

In order to make the point that it is not positions that give men distinction, but rather men who enhance positions, the author presents an example of a man who was never given a position of importance, but who achieved distinction through his accomplishments. The man in question is Alexander the Great. Although he never held a formal position of power, Alexander was able to conquer vast territories and establish one of the largest empires in history.

“Spartans, eat well, for tonight we dine in Hades.” - King Leonidas, 300

Spartans are known for their discipline, and this is especially true when it comes to their diet. They eat well to maintain their strength and energy levels, and tonight they dine in Hades, the Underworld.

“Then his brother can take his place.” - One Spartan Mother ( in response to the news that her son had died in war)

In some families, one child generally assumes the role of parent or caregiver to another due to a lack of available parents. This is especially common in cases where one parent is absent or unable to provide care. When this happens, the other child may be able to take on some of the responsibilities associated with parenting, such as making decisions for the family, providing emotional support, and helping to raise the children.

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