Analysis of Ancient tradition of punishments in Sparta

The article discusses the system of punishments used in Sparta for two offenses: refusing to marry and cowardice shown battle. Ancient authors, especially Xenophon Plutarch, give a list these offenses. In court, perpetrators were deprived many rights directly related status full citizens. Extrajudicial mostly spectacular took place public places. Spartan youth played special role persecution bachelors so-called tremblers as main categories be punished. However, few testimonies that have come down us do not make it possible determine how often battle applied exactly they formalised practice. almost complete absence tradition specific examples their application leads conclusion picture drawn by ancient authors does fully correspond reality. This is what propaganda wanted present outside world. writers-laconophiles, like Critias or Xenophon, turn, this material create an ideal image Sparta.