The Lacedaemonian citizens of Sparta were renowned for their lifelong combat training and almost mythical military prowess , while their greatest adversaries , the Athenians , were exempted from service only after the 60th year of their lives .
The Lacedaemonian citizens ( Sparta ) were renowned for their lifelong combat training and almost mythical military prowess , while their greatest adversaries , the Athenians , were exempted from service only after the 60th year of their lives .