Not training to be a warrior, just cub scouts!

I read a story about the ancient Greek people called the Spartans. I found this story interesting so I thought I would blog about it. When a boy is 7 years old in Sparta someone would come and take the boy from his mother to train him for war. The boy would learn wrestle and fight like a soldier. The boy would not get much food or clothing. He would have to live with other boys his age and soldiers. They starved the boys so that they would fight each other for food and if they wanted to eat, they must go hunt alone. It was supposed to teach the boy to be strong. When he went off to war, his mother would say, "Come back with your shield or on it." I think this means that you have to keep up with all of your war equipment. The story said that if the soldier lost his shield, he would be shamed. When I lost my ipod, I got in a lot of trouble, but nothing like that! The story told me that there is honor in dying for Sparta for a warrior. Coming back on your shield, means you died for your land and people.

If someone came to take me away to live with soldiers, I'd be scared. I wouldn't want to leave my family at 7 years old! I'm 8 now and all I have to worry about is cleaning my room and doing my chores! I think this makes me a pretty lucky kid.