Related Resources:
Sparta Helots Quiz Lycurgus Elsewhere on the Web:
Timeline of Sparta
Definition:
Whereas in the government of Sparta, the members of the gerousia had to be from noble families, all Spartiates were eligible for the office of Ephor. There were five ephors each year, one of whom may have given his name to the year. It appears no one was ephor more than once. The ephors could influence the king, summon the assembly and the gerousia. They had judicial and punitive powers, and could bring other officials to trial and sentence non-Spartiates to death. They supervised military life and received booty.
Related Terms
• Ecclesia (Spartan)
• Helots
• Gerousia
• Perioikoi
• Spartiate
Sparta: A Military State
The Spartans overpowered the native Messenians in order to obtain more fertile land.
Resources on the Greek city-state.
Find out how much you know about the Lacedaemonian serfs.
Who was the Spartan lawgiver? How much is only conjecture?
The Kings of Sparta
A table listing kings of Sparta. These hereditary joint kings came one from each of the Agiad and Eurypontid families.
A chronology of events in Sparta (1500 - 222 B.C.) compared with events in the rest of Greece (3000-194 B.C.).
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Ephors (Spartan)
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
Explore Ancient / Classical History
Must Reads
More from About.com
Work Hard, Travel Easy
The best tips for business travelers.Dog Care
Get tips on training and caring for dogs of all ages.48 Hours in Vegas
Plan a hot weekend in Sin City.Hotel Advice
The must-stay hotels worldwide.
©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.