Spartan citizens did not indulge in farming activities but devoted their time to military training, hunting and war. Sparta had to be in tiptop military shape because the city was in constant rivalry with the other major Greek cities namely Athens and Corinth and so had to be strong enough to defend the city and take the fight to their enemies to avoid being conquered. The professional and well trained Spartan hoplites with their distinctive red cloaks, long hair and lambda - emblazoned shields were the best and most feared fighters in Greece.