Spartan work was performed by slaves called helots acquired after the Messenian War in the 8th century BC. Since slaves completed all the work, Spartan citizens could focus on military affairs. Military training for war began at a young age. At the age of seven, boys were required to begin participating in group training, marching drills, and athletic competitions. When the boys reach the age of twelve they are sent to live in barracks and learn to fight with weapons until the age of twenty. Once you reach the age of twenty, ten years of active service in the hoplite army. The Spartans worried about the strength of their army because they didn't want to be wiped out by another