HISTORY 1M03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Spartan Constitution, Spartan Executive, Syssitia
22 Apr 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Gerousia: council of elders power to initiate and veto law. Appella: citizen assembly, power to pass laws, laws proposed by the gerousia were voted on by the appella. Ephors: overseers the spartan executive, charged with administering and enforcing the law, 5 citizens, elected. The spartan constitution: peculiar spartan dual kingship (aglads & eurypontids) not really kings but hereditary generals/magistrates. Were automatically given a place on the gerousia. They were charged with specific capacities in the administration of law. Their most important role was abroad where they led sparta"s armies. Essentially a typical archaic polis constitution; distribution of powers between citizen assembly and elite magistrates. Agoge: a system of universal education mandated by the state for all spartan boys. 12-20- training, then first period of military service. 20-29- live in the syssitia (common messes) conditions of being a spartan: be born of spartan parents, pass the agoge, to pay ones contributions to the syssitia.
