 Tradition states that the semi-mythical Spartan legislator Lycurgus first founded the iconic army.Referring to Sparta as having a "wall of men, instead of bricks", he proposed to reform Spartan society to develop a military-focused lifestyle in accordance with "proper virtues" such as equality for the male citizens, austerity, strength, and fitness.A Spartan male's involvement with the army began in infancy when he was inspected by the "Gerousia".