Political Structure of Sparta Flashcards
What were the two differing dynasties that ruled Sparta?
The Agiad and the Eurypontid
What does Aristotle say about Spartan kings?
Aristotle, Politics 1285a: when a king is commander outside of Sparta “this kingship is like a permanent generalship of men with absolute power.”
What does Plutarch say about the kings?
Plutarch, Lycurgus 6: Kings were members of the gerousia
What does Herodotus say about the Spartan kings and their sons?
Herodotus, Histories 7.3: claims that only the son of a king born after he had become king could succeed the kingship.
What privilege did kings have in the assembly?
Probouleusis, which came with being a member of the Gerousia.
This meant that they could decide what the Assembly could discuss.
Kings could also veto actions taken by the Assembly.
What does Herodotus say about the Religious privilege kings have?
- Both kings hold priesthoods
What does Herodotus say about the Military privileges kings have?
- Can wage war outside of the council
- The kings are first to advance with the army and last in the retreat
- 100 men should guard them in their campaigns.
What happens if a King is slain in war?
Spartans are in mourning for 10 days after the burial. They cannot meet in the market.
What does Herodotus say about the Constitutional privileges kings have?
- A man can adopt a son in the presence of the kings.
- If the two kings aren’t in the Gerousia, the elder who is nearest of kin can decide the king’s votes, giving two votes over and above their own.
What does Herodotus say about the Judicial privilege kings have?
- The kings are magistrates in court.
What does Herodotus say about the Other privileges kings have?
- When a king dies, the helots and (every) Spartan must assemble and smile, saying that the king who had died was the best of all their kings, if not they are given a heavy fine.
- When one king dies and the other takes office, the successor releases any debt that a Spartan owed to the king/commonwealth.
What is the Gerousia?
A council of elders in Sparta who prepared business to be submitted to the Assembly.
They were the only Spartan court that could pronounce a sentence of death or exile.
Who made up the Gerousia?
28 elders and 2 kings
How were the members of the Gerousia decided?
They are chosen for life by the Spartan citizens from candidates who are 60+
What does Plutarch say about the establishment of the Gerousia?
Plutarch, Lycurgus 6: Lycurgus “established a senate of 30 members… but the people must have the deciding voice and power.”
What does Plutarch say about replacing members of the Gerousia?
Plutarch, Lycurgus 26: “vacancy caused by death should be filled by the man elected as most deserving out of those above 60”
What does Diodorus say about the power of the Gerousia?
Diodorus 11.50: “and since the Gerousia was already in session to discuss it, no one expected that anyone would dare to make a different recommendation”
What is the Assembly and what do they do?
A council that decided on any changes to the law, elect Gerousia members and ephors and appoint military commanders.
What is the significant thing that the Assembly voted on?
They decided on whether to go to war in 432 BC. This is despite Herodotus’ statement that the kings could only make that decision.
What could the Assembly NOT do?
- They were not able to initiate proposals (that was done by the ephors or Gerousia)
- They couldn’t debate in the Assembly, they could only vote via shouting.
Who made up the Assembly?
The Assembly consisted of all male citizens over the age of 20.
Who are the Ephors?
The highest Spartan magistrates introduced by King Theopompus. There are only 5 of them.
How could you become an ephor?
Every adult male citizen was eligible for election ever year.
What could ephors do?
They could charge the Kings with crimes, but only with the support of the Gerousia.
What does Plutarch say about the ephors?
Plutarch: Ephors are a check on the kings and the Gerousia
What does Plutarch say that Aristotle say?
Plutarch, Lycurgus 28: “Aristotle most certainly says that the ephors, whenever they first enter office, declare war on the helots..”
What does Aristotle say about the ephors and their power?
Aristotle: “so great and tyrannical is their power that even the kings are compelled to court them”
What does Xenophon say about the Ephors?
Xenophon: there were 5 ephors every year from any full Spartiate over 30 years old.
