Sparta- Key Terminology Flashcards
What was the council of 28 elders?
Gerosia
Who was at the top of the Spartan hierarchy?
2 Kings
What were the Ephori?
5 Ephors- In charge of each area of Sparta
Who were the Ekklessia?
Spartan Males over the age of 30
Non-Spartan citizens of the Laconia area. Directly translated as ‘Dwellers around’
Perioikoi
Who were the helots?
The enslaved population of Sparta.
Who was Lycurgus?
Possibly a Spartan, Or two Spartans or a myth. But is considered widely to be the man who created Spartan law.
What was the Great Rhetra?
A set of laws that Spartans lived by, thought to be the work of Lycurgus
Who was Aristotle?
Greek. He wrote about the Spartans during the 3rd Century BC
Who was Herodotus?
Greek. He wrote extensively about the Spartans and Greek Persian wars during the 5th Century BC
Who was Xenophon?
Greek. Wrote about the Spartans and was born around 431BC
Who was Plutarch?
Roman. Wrote about Spartans based on other writings and stories around the 1st Century BC
What was dual kingship?
The idea that there were always 2 Spartan kings. One to stay at home and one
What was ‘Eunomia’?
It meant ‘good order’ and was the idea of harmony and equality among Spartans
What was the Syssitia?
The common mess halls were men would take their meals
What was the Agoge?
State-run education system of Sparta
What was the Agoge stage 1?
0-6: In the care of their mother and taught the values of Sparta.
What was the Agoge stage 2?
7-12: Enrolled in a barracks and training was focused on strength and obedience
What was the Agoge stage 3?
12-18: started full training- it became more harsh and disciplined. Some reading and writing taught.
What was the Agoge stage 4?
18-20: Development of military skill. Elite were chosen to be part of the Krypteia
What was the Agoge stage 5?
20-24: Became a full time soldier but not front line. Could now marry
What was the Agoge stage 6?
24-30: graduated from the class and became front line soldier.
What was the Agoge stage 7?
30-60: Eligible for military service and could live with family. Forced to marry if not already. All meals in the Sysstion
What was the aim of the Agoge?
the development of physical strength, military power, sense of community, discipline and obedience.
Name of the river running through Laconia?
Eurotas River
Where was Sparta located?
on the Peloponnesian peninsula of southern Greece in the are known as Laconia.
What was a Kleros?
Plot of land given to each Spartan. Farmed by Helots and a percentage of the resources given to Sparta.
Who were the Helots?
Serfs (slaves) owned by the Spartan State
Who were the Perioikoi?
“Dwellers Around” the non-spartan citizens of the Laconia area.
What were the benefits of the Kleros system?
It was beneficial because it meant that Spartan men could devote their time to warfare and the welfare of Sparta
What were the requirements of being a Spartan Citizen?
Born of 2 spartan parents.
What was the role of the Perioikoi?
sailors, fishermen, merchants, mining, pottery. Ideal image says that the Perioikoi did the jobs Spartans were forbidden to do
What was a Hoplite?
Spartan soldier
What did a Hoplite wear and carry?
Corinthian style helmet, 3m spear, Aspida (rounded
shield), stabbing sword, upper body corselet over a cloth tunic, red cape (phoinikis), bronze greaves (shin guards)
What was the Phalanx formation?
A system of interlocked shields that aimed to push forward and overwhelm enemies. To cause breakage in
enemy lines while holding own lines together. This would force enemy to collapse and flee. Interlocked shields for defence.
What was the role and function of the Kyrypeia
Spartan secret police used to squash the threat of a Helot rebellion
