Students in Ancient World Cultures have been delving into primary-source documents this term to uncover the complexity of Spartan culture. Moving beyond the modern myth of a one-dimensional militaristic society, the curriculum challenged students to explore Sparta's core values of service and valor through diverse historical lenses.

By analyzing the classic writings of Plutarch, Homer, and Tyrtaeus, students examined how war was perceived in the ancient world, exploring perspectives that ranged from the deeply romanticized to the fantastical. In written analysis, students unpacked key quotes to reveal the underlying political structures, complex social relationships, and the military's foundational role in everyday Spartan life. “We also talked about the warrior code,” notes Upper School History Teacher Emily Gifford, “which is about excellence and virtue and what it means to be a soldier and commit the ultimate sacrifice for Sparta.”

To synthesize these perspectives, students engaged in a hands-on project designing their own Spartan shields. The task required students to curate specific imagery that visually represented the different historical and literary perspectives they studied. Using metallic markers, students created their shields on black or white poster board. They translated their textual analysis into powerful visual symbols, incorporating motifs such as Spartan helmets, snakes, and the Pegasus.  Through this project, students strengthened their critical reading and analysis of primary sources, bringing Spartan culture to life in striking fashion.