Sparta, was a power unlike any other, acknowledged and recognized as dominant military force. Unlike, other societies, Sparta was built on a foundation of pure discipline, strength, severity, and devotion to their constitution. Their image of the warrior “spartans” is described as “warlike, brave, hardy, stoical, severe, frugal, and highly disciplined” (Demand 118). The Spartan lifestyle was purely devoted to military tactics which resulted ultimately in Sparta`s title as the “strongest hoplite power in Greece” (Demand 125). Their discipline and order was the foundation and framework for their political institution, paving way for a successful Spartan lifestyle. The story behind the strong military expertise is unlike many others, however
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However, this was just one issue, as the Spartans now faced an even greater problem. The absence of political status created instability within the society, as their reforms dated back to this period. The institutions were defined in a document known as the Great Rhetra, by a reformer named Lycurgus. It is found through historical evidence that it is of great skepticism whether this reformer impacted the Spartan institution. However, with little knowledge concerning the issue he is the only historical figure that is shown to have had some influence. Therefore, Lycurgus is known as the lawgiver of Sparta who founded most of their reforms or institutions. The Great Rhetra, created the foundation of the Spartan constitution and essentially created a form of stability in a chaotic …show more content…
The constitution defined the political system of containing two kings, ephors, a gerousia, and an assembly. The Gerousia, mainly consisted of thirty members, including the two kings. In regards, to the other twenty-eight members there were specific criteria that needed to be met. For instance, the remaining members had to be over the age of sixty years, in order for the council to consist of true elders. These members similar to the kings, held office for life, however unlike the kings were selected by the Assembly or Ecclesia. This Assembly similar to other assemblies had restrictions and only constituted of mainly male citizens over the age of thirty. The functions of the Ecclesia were to “select the Gerousia, the Ephorate, and other magistrates, and determined the matter of war and peace and foreign policy” (Demand 129). In regards to the function of the Gerousia, they were able to serve power over criminal cases and have the capability to overturn a policy passed by the Assembly. Therefore, the Gerousia, were the official power of the judicial system, by serving as the court of justice. In conclusion to the Classical Period, these reforms had led to the beginning of a mixed constitution consisting of a democracy and oligarchy. Fortunately, Sparta was able to avoid the ramifications of tyranny and lived under a rule of
However, this was just one issue, as the Spartans now faced an even greater problem. The absence of political status created instability within the society, as their reforms dated back to this period. The institutions were defined in a document known as the Great Rhetra, by a reformer named Lycurgus. It is found through historical evidence that it is of great skepticism whether this reformer impacted the Spartan institution. However, with little knowledge concerning the issue he is the only historical figure that is shown to have had some influence. Therefore, Lycurgus is known as the lawgiver of Sparta who founded most of their reforms or institutions. The Great Rhetra, created the foundation of the Spartan constitution and essentially created a form of stability in a chaotic …show more content…
The constitution defined the political system of containing two kings, ephors, a gerousia, and an assembly. The Gerousia, mainly consisted of thirty members, including the two kings. In regards, to the other twenty-eight members there were specific criteria that needed to be met. For instance, the remaining members had to be over the age of sixty years, in order for the council to consist of true elders. These members similar to the kings, held office for life, however unlike the kings were selected by the Assembly or Ecclesia. This Assembly similar to other assemblies had restrictions and only constituted of mainly male citizens over the age of thirty. The functions of the Ecclesia were to “select the Gerousia, the Ephorate, and other magistrates, and determined the matter of war and peace and foreign policy” (Demand 129). In regards to the function of the Gerousia, they were able to serve power over criminal cases and have the capability to overturn a policy passed by the Assembly. Therefore, the Gerousia, were the official power of the judicial system, by serving as the court of justice. In conclusion to the Classical Period, these reforms had led to the beginning of a mixed constitution consisting of a democracy and oligarchy. Fortunately, Sparta was able to avoid the ramifications of tyranny and lived under a rule of