Hey there! More can always be said, and maybe some of the experts will pop in to discuss it more, but there are some fantastic answers to this kind of question floating around. Have a look at some of these beauties courtesy of /u/Iphikrates.

Is The Military Worship of Spartans Really Justified

I am a historian of Classical Greek warfare and my book on Greek battle tactics is out now. AMA!

Edit: And this one might be a good answer for your question as well! How should we imagine an ancient Spartan soldier's body?