What are the most disturbing facts about Ancient Sparta that most people do not know?

Ancient Sparta is often romanticized for its military prowess and discipline, but it also had aspects that may be considered disturbing by modern standards. Here are some lesser-known facts about Ancient Sparta:

Extreme Militarization: Spartan society was heavily militarized, with the state prioritizing military training and service above all else. Boys were taken from their families at a young age to undergo rigorous military training in barracks known as the agoge. This training emphasized discipline, endurance, and combat skills.

Harsh Treatment of Helots: The helots were a servile class in Spartan society, primarily consisting of conquered Messenians. Helots were treated as property of the state and were subjected to harsh treatment and exploitation. Spartans were known to use violence and brutality to keep the helots in line, including the annual ritual of the Krypteia, where young Spartan men were encouraged to kill helots to instil fear.

Eugenics and Selective Breeding: Spartans practiced eugenics to maintain the strength and purity of their warrior population. New-born infants were inspected by state officials, and those deemed unfit or weak were often abandoned or left to die. This practice, known as exposure, was intended to prevent the birth of weak or unhealthy individuals.

Limited Role for Women: While Spartan women enjoyed more rights and freedoms compared to women in other Greek city-states, they were still primarily valued for their ability to produce healthy offspring. Women were expected to be physically fit and healthy to bear strong Spartan children. However, their roles were largely confined to domestic duties and child-rearing.

Rigorous Social Hierarchy: Spartan society was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, with citizenship and military service as the highest honours. Those who did not meet the criteria for citizenship, including helots and foreigners (metics), had limited rights and opportunities within Spartan society.

While Sparta's military prowess and discipline are often celebrated in historical accounts, it's important to recognize the darker aspects of Spartan society, including the treatment of helots, the practice of eugenics, and the strict social hierarchy. These aspects challenge the idealized image of Sparta and highlight the complexities of ancient societies.