Significance
The syssitia patently served to bring kinship groups together, and in having those who would fight together eat together in peacetime, a strong bond was formed. The syssitia in effect became an extended family, where all were "children of the state". It also ensured a separation between subject classes and citizens, and in Sparta additional separation based on station and wealth. They were thus a strong tool for developing nationalism. Herodotus (I, 65) remarks that the Spartan syssitia led to troops "who fought with more bravery and a keener sense of shame than would have been the case with chance comrades" (Smith 1870)
While the syssitia, as opposed to symposia, were originally based on simplicity and sobriety, over time in Sparta they became more indulgent and luxurious. Some attempts were made by Agis to restore former discipline, but this ended in failure.
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