Feared and admired at the same time. Hard, constant training and countless hardships as a sacrifice for the aura of invincibility. Modest in demands, demanding in modesty; the Spartan way of life as a postulate for zealous young men. Located in the south of the Peloponnese, the city-state of Sparta had one of the most powerful and influential armies in ancient Greece. The spearhead of the army is the Spartiate, who set standards in physical and strategic military training. Spears, shields, armor, helmets and, last but not least, the favor of the gods were part of the basic equipment of the foot soldiers, while bladed weapons such as the sword were of particular importance.