I also love that he brings up a video game character in general I think a lot of of young people who wouldnt be interested in history will get hooked just because someone mentioned "video games"
As a longtime fan of Halo, I sort of hoped it might come up. In "Dr Halseys diary" which shipped with the special editions of Halo: Reach, she refers a bit to the mythology that has built up around the historical Spartans when she describes why she chose that name for the program.
When you describe the warlike society games etc present Spartans to be, I keep thinking of Prussia. Macedon is a good example of war done efficiently in ancient times in/around Greece.
Presumably they would become competent with bows and spears via hunting. So perhaps that’s why they didn’t see added value in weapon specific training ?
Getting trainee in hardship helps with campaigning cand also with hoplite phalanx that requires stamina and high morale. Like for example remember the exhibition they did vs the illyrian with Macedonian. Also they were excellent commanders and given the command of other trooos
This one was one of the initial arguments of the nazis to convince germans to become more austere and to sacrifice in the name of strength and will. The United States, brits lived in relative luxury compared to the Germans and this was viewed as weakness and associated with depravity, as are all wealthy successful cultures. Those who are missing the wealth and live in austerity will value strength and violence and build a mythology that wealth is weakness, and culture is a waste. So yes, wealthier, more diverse nations will sacrifice some military prowess for culture. It could be argued that Spartan mythology contributed heavily to nazi ideology, which probably stemmed some from Prussian history that military strength is the end in itself...
@@notiowegian I wouldn't say wealthy nations sacrifice military strength. They are usually as powerful as they feel they need to be, given their geopolitical position. Money is extremely important to fighting wars, and if you look at the most powerful empires of the last few centuries (e.g., the European powers), they were mostly wealthy nations. It's true that *some* poorer nations will prioritize military spending/culture, but most don't. For example, take our current world: India, Indonesia, much of S. America, and much of Africa are all relatively poor, but haven't gone the fascist route. And of course, even countries that pretend to have a "warrior ethos" aren't necessarily actually good at war (e.g., Italy in WW2).
@@johanarthurfischer-nielsen5851 Sexual relationships between adults and boys were "encouraged". Even more so, when there was a difference of statut between the two. Must be good training for a kid to be deprived of food and clothes only to get raped by an old and powerful guy. Especially when being on the receiving end was considered a disgrace. Just to make sure to add salt to injuries I guess. A great recipe to make a super soldier.
So, an honest question: Didn't the Greeks do any military training at all? How on earth were they able to win battles? Didn't anyone train? What about the Persians, Romans, and Egyptians? You just bring everyone together and give them a spear and a shield and basic notions and pray for the best?
