Sparta Flashcards
What were the 4 branches of Spartan government and what were their roles?
- Magistrates / 5 Ephors - they were elected annually. These positions could overrule decisions made by other governing bodies.
- 2 Kings - Greeks did not believe in a monarchy, the kings acted as generals rather than rulers. This was a hereditary position, kings could be exiled or removed from power at any time.
- Gerousia / Council of Elders - 28 members over the age of 60 and the 2 kings. They were responsible for law and determining which bills/matters would be voted on by the assembly.
- Assembly - It’s role was to approve the decisions made by the Gerousia.
Why was Sparta considered oligarchic?
The limited definition of what a Spartiate is and the amount of power given to the Gerousia is what makes Sparta oligarchic.
Sparta conquered surrounding territories, what are some details about the first expansion?
The first expansion went into Messenia, the people that were conquered received the title of Perioikoi. These people lived free but were obligated to fulfill certain responsibilities for Sparta.
Sparta conquered surrounding territories, what are some details about the second expansion?
In the second expansion they were much more aggressive, Sparta went to Laconia. The people conquered there received the title Helot, they were enslaved. Helots were the most abundant within Sparta compiling 76% of the total population.
What does Perioikoi translate to and what were they responsible for?
It translate to “those who dwell around”, they were responsible for trade and business.
What Helot translate to and what were they responsible for?
It translates to “seized ones”, and were responsible for agriculture within Sparta.
What does Spartiate translate to and what were their responsibilities?
It translates to “peers” and they were only allowed to prepare for war.
What was abnormal about women in Sparta?
They were expected to remain physically fit until marriage, the believe was that strong women created strong offspring.
Why did Sparta NOT publish laws?
Sparta believed that through education every citizen should learn the laws and internalize them. Believed that if laws were published then it gave a citizens an excuse to be lazy.
What is the problem with sources when learning about Sparta?
Most of what is known about Sparta is from outsider views,
Spartans did not produce much literature.
Not a lot of remains survived.
Positive writing about Sparta came from after their decline (relied on rumors and lack of testimonies)
What was Sparta able to do with the early development of the Polis?
Dominate. Other territories were not prepared in the same way Sparta was.
What are some features of being a Spartiate?
- Were taken away from family at 7 and arranged into Agelai (herd, a group they ate with, trained and fought)
- Cowardice was punished severely
- Men mentored boys
- Became a citizen at 20
How could Spartiate’s lose their status?
Could lose status though failing agogai (education), failing to provide food for syssition (mess hall), showing cowardice.
If a Spartiate lost their status, what were they called?
Hypomeiones.
What does Neodamodeis mean and what does it entail?
An enslaved person volunteering to serve as light infantry. By changing status, you gain the right to own things, go to court and marry.
