Features of Ancient Societies: Sparta

Flashcards covering the structural components, roles, and ancient source evidence regarding the Spartan government, kings, Gerousia, and Ephors.

What are the key assessment specifications for Task Number 2 on Ancient Sparta?

Due Date: Monday 22 nd June (Term 2, Week 10); Weighting: 20%; Word Count: 1500 words; Task Type: Essay.

Which ancient writers provide source evidence regarding the division of political authority in Spartan society?

Herodotus, Xenophon, Plutarch, and Aristotle.

What authority did Spartan kings possess during military campaigns?

They held the highest authority, serving as chief commander of the army with the right to decide life or death during battle.

According to Aristotle, how were the military functions of the Spartan kings characterized?

Aristotle stated that the kings "commanded the army on foreign expeditions" and that their kingship constituted an "independent and permanent generalship".

Who accompanied the Spartan kings on military campaigns as bodyguards, and what were they called?

They were accompanied by 300 bodyguards referred to as hippeis.

How was royal supervision maintained during war according to the source text?

Military commanders and strategizers were elected by the Ekklesia to supervise the king at war.

What monthly religious duty were Spartan kings responsible for performing on behalf of the polis?

Making sacrifices to Apollo for the polis of Sparta.

To which deity did Spartan kings usually offer sacrifices prior to embarking on a military campaign?

Zeus.

What were the duties of the pythioi nominated by the Spartan kings?

Each king nominated 2 officials called pythioi whose duties included visiting the Delphic Oracle at Delphi.

According to Herodotus in The Histories, what specific privilege did Spartan kings enjoy during meals?

Herodotus wrote: "They are served first, each getting twice as much of every dish as anybody else."

What was the membership composition and age requirement of the Gerousia?

It contained thirty members: the two Spartan Kings plus twenty-eight elders called Gerontes who were all over sixty years old.

How were members of the Gerousia chosen and what was their length of tenure?

Members were chosen for life from Sparta's most respected citizens.

What was the legislative function of the Gerousia according to Plutarch?

The Council prepared laws before the Assembly saw them, allowing them to decide which topics citizens would debate and vote on.

What judicial role did the Gerousia fulfill in Spartan society?

It served as Sparta's highest court, handling serious criminal cases such as murder and treason.

How did Aristotle view the role of the Gerousia in the Spartan constitution?

He viewed the Gerousia as the aristocratic piece of the constitution that represented the interests of Sparta's elite and ensured society remained under oligarchy control.

How were the five Ephors selected and how did their tenure differ from that of the kings?

The five Ephors were elected annually from the general body of Spartan citizens, meaning different citizens held the non-hereditary position each year.

According to Xenophon, what aspects of Spartan life were supervised by the Ephors?

The education system (Agoge), foreign affairs, and the daily administration of the state.

What oversight powers did the Ephors hold over the Spartan kings according to Plutarch?

The Ephors acted as a check on royal authority and could summon kings before court, fine, prosecute, and depose them when necessary.

What criticism did Aristotle raise regarding the Ephorate despite its significant power?

Aristotle noted they had "the greatest and most important powers", but criticized them because coming from all social backgrounds made them susceptible to corruption and bribery.

What annual legal duty did the Ephors perform to reinforce control over the subject population?

They were responsible for declaring war on the helots each year.