Sparta: Government and Politics Flashcards
Who was commonly given credit for much of Sparta’s political changes?
Lycurgus was commonly given credit for much of Sparta’s political credit.
When’s the most likely possible scenario of Lycurgus living?
Lycurgus likely lived in the early 7th Century BC.
What problems does archaeologists find with Lycurgus?
The problems archaeologists find with Lycurgus is that he couldn’t had come up with the amount of social change that happened in Spartan society at that specific time.
Who was supposedly responsible for the formation of the Gerousia?
Lycurgus.
What is the problem with Plutarch’s account of the formation of the Gerousia?
The problem is that Plutarch lived in the 2nd century AD and wouldn’t know exactly everything that had happened back then.
How many people were in the Ephors?
5 people were in the Ephors.
When was the Ephors instituted to become a democratic organisation?
550BC
What is Sparta’s chain of government?
Duel monarchy, Gerousia and Ekklesia.
What is the Gerousia comprised of?
30 members: 28 elders plus the two kings
What were the functions of the Gerousia?
Preparing and debating bills
Along with the 2 kings and Ekklesia, it is apart of the executive branch of government
A court of justice for criminal cases like murder and treason
When did the Ephorate become the key part of Sparta’s government?
7th Century BC
What was the power and responsibilities of the Ephors?
Controlling the two kings
The Agoge
Sparta’s foreign policy
The Krypteia (secret police organisation) and policing helots
Judges in cases involving Perioeci and was the Supreme Court of Sparta
Presiding over meetings of the Gerousia and the assembly
What was the requirements to becoming an Ephor?
You have to be male, aged 30 and then be elected by the assembly.
How long can you be an Ephor?
Only once in a lifetime and the term of office lasts only a year.
What is the Ekklesia?
The Ekklesia was the Spartan assembly.
