This is consistent with the text "Life of Lycurgus", writes Plutarch "if they found him sickly or poorly formed, (a newborn) ordered him to be taken to what "We call Apothetae, a kind of abyss under Taygetus" (7). The Spartans did not believe in weakness. They wanted everyone in their kingdom to be strong and threatening. 'a baby thrown off a cliff because it adds dramatic effect and historical accuracy Babies are seen as innocent, precious and weak Having its opening scene depict a man contemplating throwing. a baby on top of a cliff adds a very dramatic moment at the beginning of the film and draws the audience in.