The ancient warrior culture prominent in Greece was the Spartan culture, known for its disciplined and militaristic society. Centered in the city-state of Sparta, the Spartans focused on rigorous training, physical fitness, and military prowess, valuing strength, endurance, and martial skill. Their way of life was characterized by a strict caste system, a communal upbringing of children through the agoge system, and an emphasis on loyalty to the state. Spartans played a crucial role in Greek history, particularly during conflicts like the Persian invasions and the Peloponnesian War, famously exemplified by their stand at the Battle of Thermopylae.