SPARTA Flashcards
Geographical location
located in southern Peloponnesian peninsula (East River Valley, Laconia)
Surrounded on three sides by rugged Mountains (Mt Taygetus = west, Parmen Ranged = east, Arcadian mountain = north). This acted as a natural defence from invaders and influences
Natural Features and resources
Small Lakonian plain enabled the growth of food and other crops
Conquered Messina doubled agricultural resources
200m above sea level
Eurotas River provided water
Ports provided seafood and trade.
Mines for materials e.g. iron, steel, etc
Significant Sites
5 villages = the 5 suburbs of Sparta. no major city
Main sites lay in North-south line, west bank of Eurotas river
North; ancient cemetery (Greeks buried dead outside of cities)
South; acropolis alongside Athena Statue (shrine), and Agora (marketplace - Council met here)
Further south; Persian Stoa* [*open hall], celebrated the Spartan win against Persians
Who is Lycurgus?
Debate whether he is real or myth
Disagreement as early as Plutarch (2nd Century AD)
Either Ancestral reformer, early lawgiver, perhaps even god or hero.
Modern interpretations of his existence range from 9th Century (Hammond) to about 600 BC (Finley).
He was credited with;
- established duties of the two Kings
- redistribution of land + ownership (Citizens had Kleros, Helots farm it)
- Set up Syssition
- outlawed use of coinage to deter greed
- organized army
- outlawed craft
Why is Lycurgus’ existence faulty?
Because it is believed that the Spartan constitution would have evolved over time and could not have been created in the lifetime of one individual.
What is Eunomia?
Good order, Good government
What is the Great Rhetra
The Great Rhetra was the system of law created by Lycurgus, it revolutionised Sparta
Who were Ephorates?
5 Ordinary citizens elected for a year – ensures a lack of corruption. They were seen as living representatives of the law – thus, they were feared and respected
What were the powers of an Ephorate?
Could arrest, punish, and put anyone to death - except Spartan citizen.
Called meeting of Gerousia and Ekklesia.
Could install + remove generals and even the Kings.
Oversaw the conduct of every citizen – including Kings.
Could banish foreigners
In charge of training and education system
Responsible for deciding which units to be mobilised for war
Could propose laws + decrees, but rarely did so.
How many people were in the Gerousia?
28 Elders (aged 60 +) and the 2 Kings. 30 in total.
What were the powers of the Gerousia?
Tried cases, could result in death or exile. They could even put one (or both) of the Kings on Trial.
The only body which could impose the death penalty
Considered the most oligarchic component of Sparta
Functioned as an overseer of the constitution – deciding what was legal or not
Functioned as a balance of power and prestige of the Kings
What was the Ekklesia?
Assembly of citizens of the age of 30 and held citizenship
They elected Ephors, elders of Gerousia, and other magistrates
Was presided over by the Kings, Gerousia, and Ephors
According to Lycurgus’ ordinance, the Ekklesia meets once a month within the boundaries of Sparta
What methods were used to ensure Spartiates were in peak condition for war?
They were full-time soldiers; their whole life was devoted to it since a very young age.
They maintained their peak physical condition through activities such as hunting, exercising, and training constantly. They were not allowed to pursue ‘intellectual’ activities such as art and philosophy.
To ensure perfect fighting and military victory, the Spartiates were encouraged to get along and become comfortable with each other so that fighting alongside them was easy.
What were the Pros v. Cons of being a Periokoi?
Pros
- Were artisans, craftsmen, businessmen, and traders. They produced very high quality products that provided Sparta with an import + export economy.
- Were also fisherman that gave them naval experience, which Spartans lacked, and was invaluable during war.
- Periokoi were relied upon more + more as Spartan numbers declined.
Cons
- Had no say in politics, had no vote. Kept them politically powerless
- Heavy taxes for Kings, they goods supplied Spartan households. Kept them economically powerless.
- Could not marry Spartans. Kept them socially powerless.
Why were the Helots seen as a threat even though they were slaves?
They Helots were captured and enslaved people from States that Sparta had conquered.
‘Owned’ by the State, not individuals, they worked on farming, mining, and all the large labour-heavy tasks that were typically required of slaves.
“donkeys weighed down with burdens” - Tyrtaios
The Spartan policy towards them was suppression, intimidation, and humiliation.
Large population of an estimated 200,000 created a grave on-going threat of rebellion to the Spartans.
