Tours: Spartan Politics - Revision history

imported>Soranin at 01:01, 23 December 2025

2025-12-23T01:01:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 23 December 2025
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	\|-\|Two Kings=		\|-\|Two Kings=
	[[File:DTAG Tetradrachm of Kleomenes II and Artemis Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse (227-222 BCE (Hellenistic period)]]		[[File:DTAG Tetradrachm of Kleomenes II and Artemis Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Cleomenes II\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse (227-222 BCE (Hellenistic period)]]
	Sparta's political system differed from most of [[Greece]]'s.		Sparta's political system differed from most of [[Greece]]'s.

imported>Darman36: Darman36 moved page Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece/Spartan Politics to Tours: Spartan Politics without leaving a redirect

2024-09-07T16:20:19Z

Darman36 moved page Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece/Spartan Politics to Tours: Spartan Politics without leaving a redirect

← Older revision	Revision as of 18:20, 7 September 2024
(No difference)

imported>Soranin at 03:51, 18 September 2023

2023-09-18T03:51:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:51, 18 September 2023
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	Lykourgos, the legendary lawgiver of Sparta who supposedly lived in the middle of the 8th century BCE, is a figure who lingers between history and myth.		Lykourgos, the legendary lawgiver of Sparta who supposedly lived in the middle of the 8th century BCE, is a figure who lingers between history and myth.

	Lykourgos is mentioned by ancient authors such as [[Herodotos]], ~~{{Wiki\|~~Xenophon}}, and Plutarch, but it is not certain if he actually existed, or if he is a symbolic figure attached to the reform of the social and political institution of Sparta.		Lykourgos is mentioned by ancient authors such as [[Herodotos]], [[Xenophon]], and Plutarch, but it is not certain if he actually existed, or if he is a symbolic figure attached to the reform of the social and political institution of Sparta.

	In Lykourgos' biography, Plutarch mentions the lawgiver traveled in [[Krete]], [[Asia Minor]], and [[Egypt]]. he then returned to Sparta before visiting the oracle at [[Delphi]] to receive Sparta's new laws.		In Lykourgos' biography, Plutarch mentions the lawgiver traveled in [[Krete]], [[Asia Minor]], and [[Egypt]]. he then returned to Sparta before visiting the oracle at [[Delphi]] to receive Sparta's new laws.

imported>Soranin at 16:55, 9 May 2022

2022-05-09T16:55:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 9 May 2022
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	While its exact origins are unknown, the text suggested that the people should be divided into phylai (tribes) and obe (vague territorial subdivisions(. It also outlined Sparta's constitutional body in detail, including references to the Gerousia's probouleutic power, and their right to exercise veto when required.		While its exact origins are unknown, the text suggested that the people should be divided into phylai (tribes) and obe (vague territorial subdivisions(. It also outlined Sparta's constitutional body in detail, including references to the Gerousia's probouleutic power, and their right to exercise veto when required.

	The Great Rhetra seems to have empowered the people of Sparta, providing [[~~hoplites~~]] with the political power to contribute to the government. This power helped avert tyranny, which was common in other cities of the archaic period, where famous tyrants such as [[Pheidon II\|Pheidon]] of [[Argos]], Orthagoras of [[Sikyon]], and {{Wiki\|Cypselus\|Kypselos}} of [[Korinth]] imposed their rule.		The Great Rhetra seems to have empowered the people of Sparta, providing [[hoplite]]s with the political power to contribute to the government. This power helped avert tyranny, which was common in other cities of the archaic period, where famous tyrants such as [[Pheidon II\|Pheidon]] of [[Argos]], Orthagoras of [[Sikyon]], and {{Wiki\|Cypselus\|Kypselos}} of [[Korinth]] imposed their rule.
	</tabber>		</tabber>
	<tabber>		<tabber>

imported>Darman36 at 04:15, 31 March 2022

2022-03-31T04:15:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:15, 31 March 2022
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	{{Update}}		{{Update}}
	'''Learn the nuances of [[Sparta]]'s unique political system.'''		'''Learn the nuances of [[Sparta]]'s unique political system.'''

	<tabber>		<tabber>
	\|-\|Opening Remarks=		\|-\|Opening Remarks=

	("Who are you?")		("Who are you?")

Line 12:		Line 10:

	\|-\|Two Kings=		\|-\|Two Kings=
	[[File:~~DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia~~.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse (227-222 BCE (Hellenistic period)]]		[[File:DTAG Tetradrachm of Kleomenes II and Artemis Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse (227-222 BCE (Hellenistic period)]]
	Sparta's political system differed from most of [[Greece]]'s.		Sparta's political system differed from most of [[Greece]]'s.

	One of its most distinctive features was that it was ruled by two kings.		One of its most distinctive features was that it was ruled by two kings.

	These kings belonged to two dynasties: the Eurypontids and the [[~~House of~~ Agiad\|Agiads]], both of which were said to be descended from [[Herakles]].		These kings belonged to two dynasties: the Eurypontids and the [[Agiad dynasty\|Agiads]], both of which were said to be descended from [[Herakles]].

	Both kings shared equal powers, and disputes between them required the intervention of special magistrates known as ephors.		Both kings shared equal powers, and disputes between them required the intervention of special magistrates known as ephors.
Line 116:		Line 114:

	The Great Rhetra seems to have empowered the people of Sparta, providing [[hoplites]] with the political power to contribute to the government. This power helped avert tyranny, which was common in other cities of the archaic period, where famous tyrants such as [[Pheidon II\|Pheidon]] of [[Argos]], Orthagoras of [[Sikyon]], and {{Wiki\|Cypselus\|Kypselos}} of [[Korinth]] imposed their rule.		The Great Rhetra seems to have empowered the people of Sparta, providing [[hoplites]] with the political power to contribute to the government. This power helped avert tyranny, which was common in other cities of the archaic period, where famous tyrants such as [[Pheidon II\|Pheidon]] of [[Argos]], Orthagoras of [[Sikyon]], and {{Wiki\|Cypselus\|Kypselos}} of [[Korinth]] imposed their rule.
			</tabber>
			<tabber>
	\|-\|The Spartan Assembly=		\|-\|The Spartan Assembly=
	[[File:DTAG - Sparta theater remains.png\|thumb\|250px\|Remains of the theater on the Akropolis of Sparta, with the Taygetos Mountains in background / 2017]]		[[File:DTAG - Sparta theater remains.png\|thumb\|250px\|Remains of the theater on the Akropolis of Sparta, with the Taygetos Mountains in background / 2017]]
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	([LEAVE] "That's all for now.")		([LEAVE] "That's all for now.")
			</tabber>

	</~~tabber~~>		==Gallery==
			<gallery widths="180" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center">
			Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour- Spartan Politics - Ep. 29 - Ubisoft -NA-
			</gallery>
	[[Category:Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece]]		[[Category:Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece]]

imported>Lady Kyashira: XOdeyssusx moved page Tours: Spartan Politics to Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece/Spartan Politics without leaving a redirect: Trying something

2022-03-20T11:38:49Z

XOdeyssusx moved page Tours: Spartan Politics to Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece/Spartan Politics without leaving a redirect: Trying something

← Older revision	Revision as of 13:38, 20 March 2022
(No difference)

imported>Lady Kyashira at 13:49, 19 March 2022

2022-03-19T13:49:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 19 March 2022
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	~~{{Imageneed}}~~
	{{Update}}		{{Update}}
	'''Learn the nuances of Sparta's unique political system.'''		'''Learn the nuances of [[Sparta]]'s unique political system.'''

	<tabber>		<tabber>
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	\|-\|Two Kings=		\|-\|Two Kings=
	[[File:DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse]]		[[File:DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse (227-222 BCE (Hellenistic period)]]
	Sparta's political system differed from most of Greece's.		Sparta's political system differed from most of [[Greece]]'s.

	One of its most distinctive features was that it was ruled by two kings.		One of its most distinctive features was that it was ruled by two kings.

	These kings belonged to two dynasties: the Eurypontids and the Agiads, both of which were said to be descended from Herakles.		These kings belonged to two dynasties: the Eurypontids and the [[House of Agiad\|Agiads]], both of which were said to be descended from [[Herakles]].

	Both kings shared equal powers, and disputes between them required the intervention of special magistrates known as ephors.		Both kings shared equal powers, and disputes between them required the intervention of special magistrates known as ephors.
Line 26:		Line 25:
	'''Learn More:'''		'''Learn More:'''

	[[Xenophon]], who wrote the biography of the Spartan king {{Wiki\|Agesilaus II\|Agesilaos}}, attests that the two ~~kinhgs~~ and the ephors exchanged vows on a monthly basis. He writes that the ephors swore to preserve the kingship, but only on the condition that the kings followed the laws of Sparta.		[[Xenophon]], who wrote the biography of the Spartan king {{Wiki\|Agesilaus II\|Agesilaos}}, attests that the two kings and the ephors exchanged vows on a monthly basis. He writes that the ephors swore to preserve the kingship, but only on the condition that the kings followed the laws of Sparta.

	Originally, Sparta's two kings always came from different houses, until Hellenistic period when {{Wiki\|Cleomenes III\|Kleomenes III}} abolished the kingship of Sparta and placed his {{Wiki\|Cleombrotus II\|brother}} on the second throne.		Originally, Sparta's two kings always came from different houses, until Hellenistic period when {{Wiki\|Cleomenes III\|Kleomenes III}} abolished the kingship of Sparta and placed his {{Wiki\|Cleombrotus II\|brother}} on the second throne.

	\|-\|Responsibilities=		\|-\|Responsibilities=
			[[File:DTAG - Bronze Spartan coin showing the Dioskouroi.png\|thumb\|250px\|Bronze coin of Sparta showing on obverse the Dioskouroi, the protectors of the kings of Sparta / 35-31 BCE (Hellenistic Greece)]]
	Spartan kings had several responsibilities and functions.		Spartan kings had several responsibilities and functions.

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	\|-\|Kings and Religion=		\|-\|Kings and Religion=
			[[File:DTAG - Red figure cup depicting scene of sacrifice.png\|thumb\|250px\|Attic red-figure cup with scene of sacrifice / 510-500 BCE (Archaic Greece)]]
	The kings of Sparta enjoyed many important religious honors.		The kings of Sparta enjoyed many important religious honors.

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	\|-\|Ephors and Law=		\|-\|Ephors and Law=
			[[File:DTAG - Painting of Lycurgus consulting the Pythia.png\|thumb\|250px\|Lycurgus consulting the Pythia, drawing by Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) / 19th cent. CE (Modern period)]]
	The ephors, or overseers, were give magistrates elected by the Spartan assembly. They were chosen from amongst Spartan citizens over thirty, and served for one year with no possibility of re-election.		The ephors, or overseers, were give magistrates elected by the Spartan assembly. They were chosen from amongst Spartan citizens over thirty, and served for one year with no possibility of re-election.

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	'''Learn More:'''		'''Learn More:'''

	~~TBA~~		There are four different theories about the origins of the ephors.

			The first ties them to the lawgiver [[Lykourgos of Sparta\|Lykourgos]], who conceived them as guardians of the polity. The second proposes that they were formed by king {{Wiki\|Theopompus of Sparta\|Theopompos}} after the {{Wiki\|First Messenian War}}. According to the third theory, the ephors were former administrative officers who took advantage of the kings' absence during wartime to acquire more power for themselves. The last theory dates the creation of the ephors to the middle of the 6th century BCE and credits {{Wiki\|Chilon of Sparta\|Chilon}}, an ephor and one of the {{Wiki\|Seven Sages of Greece\|seven sages of Greece}}, with forming a group meant to protect the people from the ambitions of the kings and the threat of tyranny.

			Although these theories are still discussed among researchers, it is generally agreed that the instituition of ephors probably appeared around the 8th century NCE, but only acquired its political purpose of the defending the rights of citizens in the 6th century BCE. This development made the ephors the most democratic element of Sparta's political system.

	\|-\|The Gerousia=		\|-\|The Gerousia=
			[[File:DTAG - Lycurgus showing heir to Gerousia.png\|thumb\|250px\|Lycurgus showing the heir to the throne to the Gerousia, painting by Alexandre Denis Abel de Pujol (1785-1861) / 19th cent. CE (Modern period)]]
			The {{Wiki\|Gerousia}} was the Spartan council of elders. It was made up of the two current kings, as well as twenty-eight elders called gerontes.

			They were Spartan citizens over the age of sixty - the cut-off age for military duty.

			They were elected for life by the Spartan assembly.

			The Gerousia, similar to Athens' boule, handled legislative and financial matters.

			It could submit bills and motions to the assembly, and could also cancel assembly decisions with the power of veto.

			To ensure that the right of veto did not weaken the assembly, Ephors were introduced to keep the Gerousia in check and maintain a steady balance of power.

			This allowed Sparta to include more just elements in its political system.

			'''Learn More:'''

			According to [[Plutarch]], the {{Wiki\|Great Rhetra}} was a [[Pythia\|Delphic Oracle]] brought to Sparta by Lykourgos, the legendary lawgiver. The oracle allegedly gave Lykourgos the "Eunomia" (good laws) of Sparta, a term that has been erroneously used to describe the Spartan constitution. However, various sources indicate the Eunomia was not a constitution, and instead mainly alluded to citizens obeying Sparta's laws.

			In a more general sense, the Great Rhetra referred to changes and modifications of existing constitutions and institutions in the Spartan government.

			While its exact origins are unknown, the text suggested that the people should be divided into phylai (tribes) and obe (vague territorial subdivisions(. It also outlined Sparta's constitutional body in detail, including references to the Gerousia's probouleutic power, and their right to exercise veto when required.

			The Great Rhetra seems to have empowered the people of Sparta, providing [[hoplites]] with the political power to contribute to the government. This power helped avert tyranny, which was common in other cities of the archaic period, where famous tyrants such as [[Pheidon II\|Pheidon]] of [[Argos]], Orthagoras of [[Sikyon]], and {{Wiki\|Cypselus\|Kypselos}} of [[Korinth]] imposed their rule.

	\|-\|The Spartan Assembly=		\|-\|The Spartan Assembly=
			[[File:DTAG - Sparta theater remains.png\|thumb\|250px\|Remains of the theater on the Akropolis of Sparta, with the Taygetos Mountains in background / 2017]]
			The Spartan assembly, or the apella, was made up of Spartan citizens who were over thirty years old.

			Its exactl meeting place remains unknown, but it was presided over by a special member of the ephors called the "Eponymous Ephor".

			The apella had limited authority, since any decision it made could be overruled by the Gerousia, but thanks to the efforts of the ephors, it still played an important role in Spartan society.

			The apella dealt with topics like foreign affairs, war declarations, peace negotiations, and more.

			They also elected ephors and Gerousia members, and could both grant political rights to foreigners and remove them from Spartan citizens.

			Unlike the myraid sources on the functions of the Athenian assembly, the exact details of the apella's decision-making process are unknown.

			'''Learn More:'''

			Lykourgos, the legendary lawgiver of Sparta who supposedly lived in the middle of the 8th century BCE, is a figure who lingers between history and myth.

			Lykourgos is mentioned by ancient authors such as [[Herodotos]], {{Wiki\|Xenophon}}, and Plutarch, but it is not certain if he actually existed, or if he is a symbolic figure attached to the reform of the social and political institution of Sparta.

			In Lykourgos' biography, Plutarch mentions the lawgiver traveled in [[Krete]], [[Asia Minor]], and [[Egypt]]. he then returned to Sparta before visiting the oracle at [[Delphi]] to receive Sparta's new laws.

			Plutarch writes that after bringing the reforms to Sparta, Lykourgos returned to Delphi to make a sacrifice to [[Apollo]]. This is the last time any of the sources mention him.

	\|-\|Closing Remarks=		\|-\|Closing Remarks=

imported>Soranin at 03:01, 22 February 2022

2022-02-22T03:01:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:01, 22 February 2022
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	\|-\|Two Kings=		\|-\|Two Kings=
	[[File:DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of [[Kleomenes II]] (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse]]		[[File:DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of {{Wiki\|Kleomenes II}} (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse]]
	Sparta's political system differed from most of Greece's.		Sparta's political system differed from most of Greece's.

Line 26:		Line 26:
	'''Learn More:'''		'''Learn More:'''

	[[Xenophon]], who wrote the biography of the Spartan king ~~[[Agesilaos~~ II ~~of Sparta~~\|Agesilaos]], attests that the two kinhgs and the ephors exchanged vows on a monthly basis. He writes that the ephors swore to preserve the kingship, but only on the condition that the kings followed the laws of Sparta.		[[Xenophon]], who wrote the biography of the Spartan king {{Wiki\|Agesilaus II\|Agesilaos}}, attests that the two kinhgs and the ephors exchanged vows on a monthly basis. He writes that the ephors swore to preserve the kingship, but only on the condition that the kings followed the laws of Sparta.

	Originally, Sparta's two kings always came from different houses, until Hellenistic period when ~~[[Kleomenes~~ III ~~of Sparta~~\|Kleomenes III]] abolished the kingship of Sparta and placed his {{Wiki\|Cleombrotus II\|brother}} on the second throne.		Originally, Sparta's two kings always came from different houses, until Hellenistic period when {{Wiki\|Cleomenes III\|Kleomenes III}} abolished the kingship of Sparta and placed his {{Wiki\|Cleombrotus II\|brother}} on the second throne.

	\|-\|Responsibilities=		\|-\|Responsibilities=

imported>Lady Kyashira: Created page with "{{Imageneed}} {{Update}} '''Learn the nuances of Sparta's unique political system.''' |-|Opening Remarks= ("Who are you?") ("What do you think of this place?") ("..."

2021-07-13T12:28:12Z

Created page with "{{Imageneed}} {{Update}} '''Learn the nuances of Sparta's unique political system.''' <tabber> |-|Opening Remarks= ("Who are you?") ("What do you think of this place?") ("..."

Páàjì titun

{{Imageneed}}
{{Update}}
'''Learn the nuances of Sparta's unique political system.'''

<tabber>
|-|Opening Remarks=

("Who are you?")

("What do you think of this place?")

("Let's begin the tour.")

|-|Two Kings=
[[File:DTAG_Tetradrachm_of_Kleomenes_II_and_Artemis_Ortheia.jpg|thumb|250px|Tetradrachm of Sparta (Lakedaimon in Greek) bearing the portrait of [[Kleomenes II]] (235-221 BCE) on obverse and Artemis Ortheia on reverse]]
Sparta's political system differed from most of Greece's.

One of its most distinctive features was that it was ruled by two kings.

These kings belonged to two dynasties: the Eurypontids and the Agiads, both of which were said to be descended from Herakles.

Both kings shared equal powers, and disputes between them required the intervention of special magistrates known as ephors.

However, if one of the kings were more charismatic or experienced, they could influence the weaker king's choices.

'''Learn More:'''

[[Xenophon]], who wrote the biography of the Spartan king [[Agesilaos II of Sparta|Agesilaos]], attests that the two kinhgs and the ephors exchanged vows on a monthly basis. He writes that the ephors swore to preserve the kingship, but only on the condition that the kings followed the laws of Sparta.

Originally, Sparta's two kings always came from different houses, until Hellenistic period when [[Kleomenes III of Sparta|Kleomenes III]] abolished the kingship of Sparta and placed his {{Wiki|Cleombrotus II|brother}} on the second throne.

|-|Responsibilities=
Spartan kings had several responsibilities and functions.

As lifetime magistrates, they were technically Sparta's priests and strategists, and their duties encompassed everything from politics to justice.

Originally, both kings would lead military campaigns in times of war.

However, from 507 BCE onwards, only one of the two kings could be head of the army.

On the battlefield, kings were accompanied by three hundred elite soldiers for protection.

But being a king wasn't only about working and fighting. They enjoyed special privileges as well.

Spartan kings lived at the expense of the city, owned royal estates in the surrounding perioikic cities, and received the majority of the spoils of war.

When they passed away, they were buried with special honors, and the population mourned them for a period of ten days.

'''Learn More:'''

During the Classical period, various kings of Sparta (Kleomenes, Pausanias, Archidamos, Agis II) were accused by the Gerousia of trying to pursue their own personal external policies.

Furthermore, during the Greco-Persian Wars, the kings also ran the navy as navarchs (admirals), giving them power not only in their own lands, but away from them as well.

The double-kingship and the supervision of the kings by the ephors, as well as other measures, were demostrative of Sparta's efforts to control the kings and limit their power.

|-|Kings and Religion=
The kings of Sparta enjoyed many important religious honors.

They were in charge of sacrifices both during military campaigns and at home.

The kings received double portions of the meat at all communal meals, and they were also the first to pour libations.

They also personally conducted public sacrifices as priests, which helped remind their subjects of their divine connection to Herakles and Zeus.

'''Learn More:'''

One of the Spartan king's religious duties was appointing the Pythians — the people who received prophecies from the Oracle at Delphi. Pythians were extremely important to Sparta, as they received supposed "foreknowledge" that could help the kings prepare their military campaigns.

Spartan kings were also believed to be descendants of Zeus. Because of this, they served as high-priests of Zeus, and enjoyed special privileges during religious rituals, as well as on the battleifled.

|-|Ephors and Law=
The ephors, or overseers, were give magistrates elected by the Spartan assembly. They were chosen from amongst Spartan citizens over thirty, and served for one year with no possibility of re-election.

The ephors played a large part in administrating the city, and were considered the most democratic agents in the Spartan political system.

They had judicial power, and ordered the dispatching of the Spartan army during wars.

They also met and negotiated with representatives from other states, in addition to running the agoge, the Spartan education system.

While not as powerful as the two kings, the ephors still held great sway over Sparta's affairs.

'''Learn More:'''

TBA

|-|The Gerousia=

|-|The Spartan Assembly=

|-|Closing Remarks=

("I'm ready for the quiz.")

("Take on the next suggested tour.")

("Take me on a random tour.")

([LEAVE] "That's all for now.")

</tabber>
[[Category:Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece]]