Sparta
Spartan Government
The Lacedaemonian constitution is defective in another point; I mean the Ephoralty. This magistracy has authority in the highest matters, but the Ephors are chosen from the whole people, and so the office is apt to fall into the hands of very poor men, who, being badly off, are open to bribes.
- From Aristotle On the Lacedaemonian Constitution
Aristotle, in
On the Lacedaemonian Constitution, says Sparta's system of government included monarchical, oligarchic and democratic components.
Monarchy
Two kings, hereditary monarchs, one from each of the Agiad and Eurypontid families, had priestly obligations and the power to make war (although by the time of the Persian Wars, the kings' power to make war was restricted).
Oligarchy
The kings were automatic members of the
Gerousia, the council of 28 elders picked for life plus the two kings. Unlike the other 28 members, the kings didn't have to be 60. Aristotle (Politics, II) didn't approve of the gerousia for a variety of reasons, including senility and the need to campaign for office.
Democracy
Five
Ephors, chosen annually by popular election, had the main power. Because of the diminishing Spartiate population, ephors were selected from among the poor. Aristotle condemned this practice because the poor were more susceptible to bribery. The final component was the
Ecclesia(assembly), made up of all
Spartiates(full Spartan citizens) over 18.
Next page > The Legendary Lycurgus > Page 1, 2, 3
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| Print Sources |
• The Greek City States: A Source Book, edited by P.J. Rhodes.
• A History of Greece, by J.B. Bury
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