Classical Studies 1000 Lecture Notes - Peloponnesian League, Ephor, Perioeci

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Shauna Burke

Document Summary

Typical greek polis until about 7th century bc. 30 elders: make decision w/ advice & input of people. 5 ephors: made sure all spartans behaved in spartan way, if not ephors restrained them. 2 kings: dual monarchy b/c afraid 1 person may abuse power, take lead/ agree w/ one another on battle strategy & other decisions. 8th century- went to war w/ messenia + engaged w/ conflict w/ polis in east. Try to hold onto neighbours they conquered. Messenia: helots- deprived ownership, give portion of everything to spartans (ex. food, land) Wars: over small things, only lasted about 2 years & then forgotten. Revolt: large scale, messinians outnumbered spartans (6:1), blamed on too much luxury + softness. Military training (spartans): to maintain dominant position. All land was divided equally b/w spartans. Currency: gold/silver coins replaced by iron bricks (impractical= discourage accumulation of wealth) Men/women: married, not allowed to live together for early part of life, sex=secretive (encourage stealth/increase attractiveness)