Government of Sparta Flashcards
What were the Spartan Kings?
Sparta was ruled at once by two kings, one from the Agiad dynasty and one from the Eurypontid dynasty. Duties included upholding the law and leading the Spartan army on campaign.
What were the Ephors?
five magistrates elected annually to uphold the will and authority of the kings (e.g. to act during the kings’ absences)
What was the Apella?
popular assembly in Sparta, which every full citizen older than 30 could participate in; no discussion, just voting. Elected gerousia and ephors.
What was the Gerousia?
oligarchic senate of Spartan elders - 28 men above the age of 60 plus the two kings, elected by Apella for life, usually from the aristocratic families. Proposed bills (rhetrai) for the Apella to vote on, could veto Apella’s approved rhetrai. Geriatrics – medicine for old people.
What were Helots?
Messenians subjugated by Sparta, forced into serfdom. They consistently outnumbered true Spartans, which coupled with their status as the real agricultural workforce of Laconia, made them a constant threat to Spartan stability and supremacy.
What was the Crypteia?
the secret police force of Sparta, meant to keep the helots in check and prevent them from rebelling.
