How did Athens train children for battle and how harsh?

Answer 1

In ancient Athens, boys began their military training at around the age of 7, entering the formal education system known as the "agoge," which focused on physical fitness, discipline, and combat skills. Training was rigorous and often harsh, emphasizing endurance, obedience, and resilience through activities like running, Wrestling, and mock battles. The education aimed to instill a sense of duty to the city-state, with boys often facing punishments and hardships to prepare them for the realities of war. This intense regimen fostered not only physical prowess but also a strong communal identity and loyalty to Athens.