In this essay I will talk about the main characteristics of the polis of Sparta during the Archaic period (C800 - 470 BC). I will discuss factors such as the importance of education, social hierarchy, military status, religious practices, and the role of women. In Sparta, the system of education and training of an infant began literally at birth. For every new baby a physical fitness check had to be carried out. The first test came from the mother, the child was bathed in wine to test his constitution. (Holland, P.81). He would later be brought to the Gerousia, the Spartan council of elders. If they saw obvious deformations in the child, or signs of weakness in response to simple gestures, they would be deemed unfit and condemned to be discarded on Mount Taygetus, the "Apotetae" (deposits). (Netherlands, P81). The purpose of this was to keep the Spartan population strong and free from disease. Even though they had no idea what eugenics was, this was actually one of the earliest forms of activity. As a result, only the healthiest children would be allowed to live and, indeed, continue their education. From this point on, the Spartan education and training regime, known as the "Agoge", would play an important role in the education of all male Spartans. (Netherlands, P84). Rigorous military training began for boys at age seven. To begin with, the emphasis would be on the importance of the Spartan state, above any personal interest or desire. This continued throughout the training and ensured loyalty to the state first and foremost. (RLFP71). The boys lived in communal canteens and were deliberately undernourished to encourage them to steal food. With the food they had, the Black Broth, which was so... half paper... a single arrow was shot, or a sword drawn. Such was the fear they inflicted on their enemies, making their blood run cold at the sight of their impenetrable wall of hardened soldiers. (Holland, P76). In conclusion, I think it is clear that the unique approach to politics used by the Spartan polis in terms of structure had a significant influence at the time. Admired in their approach to raising respectful and robust citizens, they served as a model not only for the structure of a society but also for the development of one of the most important changes in the ancient world: professional soldiers. It could also be argued, I think, that the Spartan constitution was one of, if not the earliest, form of democracy, given the nature of the control over kings that the council of Elders had, who were themselves elected by members of the Spartiate population..