Spartan boys underwent an extremely rigorous training program from ages 6 to 18 to transform them into elite warriors. Their days consisted of intense physical fitness from dawn to dusk, including sprinting in armor, weapon training with real swords, and mandatory theft as part of survival training. Punishments for errors were harsh, involving lashings, hard labor, and extended exercise. The goal was to produce warriors who were as indestructible as the Spartan army that went on to help defeat the Persians and conquer Troy.