Agoge

/əˈɡoʊɡi/ noun

Definition

In ancient Sparta, the state-controlled training and education system that prepared young boys to become warriors; any rigorous training system.

Etymology

From Greek agoge (a leading, training), from agein (to lead), referring to the Spartan youth system documented by Plutarch and other ancient historians.

Kelly Says

The Spartan agoge was basically ancient military boarding school meets cult indoctrination—boys were separated from mothers, deliberately underfed to encourage stealing and cunning, and taught that dying in battle was the ultimate honor.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.