<P> The letter lambda ( Λ ) , standing for Laconia or Lacedaemon , which was painted on the Spartans ' shields , was first adopted in the 420s BC , and quickly became a widely known Spartan symbol . Military families passed on their shields to each generation as family heirlooms . The technical evolution and design of Spartan shields evolved from bashing and shield wall tactics , and were of such great importance in the Spartan army that while losing a sword and a spear was an exception , to lose a shield was a sign of disgrace . Not only does it protect the user , but it also protects the whole phalanx formation . To come home without the shield was the mark of a deserter ; rhipsaspia or `` dropping the shield '' , was a synonym for desertion in the field . Mothers bidding farewell to their sons would encourage them to come back with their shields , often saying goodbyes like `` Son , either with this or on this '' ( Ἢ τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς ) . </P>
<P> The letter lambda ( Λ ) , standing for Laconia or Lacedaemon , which was painted on the Spartans ' shields , was first adopted in the 420s BC , and quickly became a widely known Spartan symbol . Military families passed on their shields to each generation as family heirlooms . The technical evolution and design of Spartan shields evolved from bashing and shield wall tactics , and were of such great importance in the Spartan army that while losing a sword and a spear was an exception , to lose a shield was a sign of disgrace . Not only does it protect the user , but it also protects the whole phalanx formation . To come home without the shield was the mark of a deserter ; rhipsaspia or `` dropping the shield '' , was a synonym for desertion in the field . Mothers bidding farewell to their sons would encourage them to come back with their shields , often saying goodbyes like `` Son , either with this or on this '' ( Ἢ τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς ) . </P>
what does the symbol on spartan shields mean
what does the symbol on spartan shields mean
The letter lambda ( Λ ) , standing for Laconia or Lacedaemon ,
The letter lambda ( Λ ) , standing for Laconia or Lacedaemon ,