Final answer:
Spartan life mainly focused on militarism, centered around the agoge training system for boys and the stern upbringing of girls, aiming to maintain strict control over a large population of helots and ensure societal stability through military strength and discipline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main focus of Spartan life was on creating a society centered around military prowess and dominance. Spartan culture is known for its militaristic lifestyle, starting with the agoge, the rigorous training program for Spartan boys, which began at the age of seven. These boys were taken from their families, lived in barracks, endured harsh discipline, and received continuous combat and endurance training. Upon reaching the age of twenty, they could become full Spartan citizens, or "Equals," and continue to dedicate their lives to military discipline without the distraction of everyday economic activities.
Spartan women also underwent strict physical training and had more independence compared to other Greek women. They managed the households and estates, especially when men were away at war. In a broader sense, all aspects of Spartan society, from marriage customs to food acquisition, reinforced the principles of discipline, strength, and stealth.
The purpose of this high degree of militarization was to control a much larger population of helots, who were essentially serfs or slaves that the Spartans depended on for agricultural labor while maintaining readiness to suppress any potential rebellion. The fear of a helot uprising was a driving force behind the Spartan military machine, often involving brutal tactics such as the annual "war" on the helots and the activities of the Krypteia, the secret police assigned to terrorize and murder helots deemed a threat.