In the Spartan tradition of Krypteia, young men who successfully completed their rigorous training regime were sent into the countryside unarmed and told to kill any members of Sparta’s serf population, or “Helots,” that they encountered at night and to take any food they needed. The tradition derives it name from a Greek word meaning “hidden, secret things,” and its goal and nature are still a matter of debate among historians. What purposes do scholars believe Krypteia served? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary