Politics > Constitution of Sparta

Constitution of Sparta

The Constitution of Sparta, also known as the Spartan Constitution or the Spartan polity, was a unique system of government and social organization attributed to the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus. It established a highly militaristic and communal society aimed at creating a disciplined and cohesive state capable of producing effective warriors. The Spartan Constitution combined elements of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy, ensuring a balance of power among different institutions.

Key Features of the Spartan Constitution

1. Dual Kingship (Diarchy):

   • Two Kings: Sparta had two hereditary kings from two separate royal families, the Agiads and the Eurypontids. This dual kingship was intended to provide checks and balances within the monarchy.
   • Roles and Duties: The kings served as military commanders, religious leaders, and judges. They led the army in times of war, conducted religious rituals, and had judicial authority in certain cases.

2. The Gerousia (Council of Elders):

   • Composition: The Gerousia consisted of 30 members, including the two kings and 28 elders (gerontes) who were over 60 years old. Members of the Gerousia were elected for life by the Spartan citizens.
   • Functions: The Gerousia had significant legislative and judicial powers. It proposed laws to the Assembly (Apella) and could veto decisions. It also acted as a high court for criminal cases, including those involving the kings.

3. The Apella (Assembly):

   • Citizen Participation: The Apella was the assembly of Spartan citizens, also known as Spartiates or Homoioi. All male citizens over the age of 30 could participate.
   • Decision-Making: The Apella voted on proposals made by the Gerousia and elected public officials, including the ephors and members of the Gerousia. Voting was typically done by acclamation, with decisions made based on the loudest and most numerous shouts.

4. The Ephorate (Board of Ephors):

   • Five Ephors: The Ephorate consisted of five ephors elected annually by the Apella. Ephors could not be re-elected, ensuring regular turnover and preventing long-term accumulation of power.
   • Powers and Responsibilities: The ephors held significant executive and judicial powers. They supervised the kings, enforced laws, conducted foreign policy, and oversaw the education system. Ephors could also summon and preside over meetings of the Apella and Gerousia.

Social and Military Organization

1. Agoge (Education and Training):

   • State-Controlled Education: The agoge was the rigorous education and training system for male Spartan citizens, starting at age seven and continuing until age 30. It aimed to instill discipline, physical strength, and loyalty to the state.
   • Emphasis on Military Skills: The agoge focused on physical training, survival skills, and combat techniques, preparing young men to become elite soldiers.

2. Communal Living:

   • Syssitia (Common Messes): Spartan men were required to join syssitia, communal dining groups, where they shared meals and discussed state matters. Participation in the syssitia was a key aspect of Spartan citizenship.
   • Land and Helots: Land in Sparta was divided among citizens and worked by helots, a subjugated population that provided agricultural labor. Helots were essential to the Spartan economy, allowing citizens to focus on military training.

3. Role of Women:

   • Relative Freedom: Spartan women had more freedom and autonomy compared to women in other Greek city-states. They were educated, participated in physical training, and could own and inherit property.
   • Role in Society: Spartan women were expected to produce strong and healthy children and manage households while the men were engaged in military activities.

Historical Context and Development

1. Legend of Lycurgus:

   • Mythical Lawgiver: Lycurgus is credited with founding the Spartan Constitution, although his historical existence is debated. According to tradition, he traveled widely, studying different systems of governance before implementing his reforms in Sparta.
   • Great Rhetra: The Great Rhetra is the legendary set of laws attributed to Lycurgus, outlining the principles of the Spartan Constitution. It emphasized communal living, military training, and the balance of power among different institutions.

2. Evolution and Adaptation:

   • Flexibility and Change: While the Spartan Constitution remained relatively stable over time, it was subject to adaptation and interpretation to meet changing circumstances. The roles and powers of institutions like the ephors evolved to address new challenges.
   • Historical Influence: The Spartan system influenced other Greek city-states and was admired for its stability and military prowess. However, it also faced criticism for its rigidity and harsh treatment of helots and other non-citizens.

Strengths and Achievements

1. Military Dominance:

   • Elite Soldiers: The Spartan military system produced some of the most disciplined and effective soldiers in ancient Greece. The Spartans were known for their prowess in battle and their contributions to key conflicts like the Persian Wars.
   • Defensive Strategy: The emphasis on military readiness and communal living ensured that Sparta remained highly defensible and cohesive, capable of withstanding external threats.

2. Stability and Order:

   • Balanced Governance: The balance of power among the kings, Gerousia, Apella, and ephors contributed to political stability and prevented the concentration of power in any one institution.
   • Social Cohesion: The communal nature of Spartan society, with its emphasis on equality among citizens and shared responsibilities, fostered a strong sense of unity and identity.

Criticisms and Limitations

1. Rigid Social Structure:

   • Lack of Flexibility: The rigid social and political structure of Sparta limited innovation and adaptation. The strict adherence to traditional practices sometimes hindered the state's ability to respond to new challenges.
   • Suppression of Helots: The harsh treatment and suppression of the helots, who were essential to the Spartan economy, created social tensions and periodic revolts that threatened stability.

2. Economic and Cultural Limitations:

   • Economic Stagnation: The focus on military training and communal living discouraged economic innovation and trade. Sparta lagged behind other Greek city-states in economic development and cultural achievements.
   • Isolation: Sparta's insular approach limited its interactions with other cultures and ideas, contributing to its eventual decline as other Greek states advanced in areas like philosophy, art, and science.

Conclusion

The Constitution of Sparta, attributed to the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus, established a unique and highly militaristic society characterized by its dual kingship, powerful councils, and communal living. The Spartan system emphasized discipline, unity, and military excellence, leading to significant achievements in stability and defense. However, its rigid social structure and harsh treatment of helots, along with economic and cultural limitations, ultimately contributed to its decline. The legacy of the Spartan Constitution remains a testament to the complexities and variations of governance in ancient Greece, offering valuable insights into the balance of power, social organization, and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive state.

Greek Politics