Who is the commander of the army in Sparta?
King
The king is still accountable to the ephors and can be punished for mistakes.
What power did Agis have while at Declea with his army?
- Send troops wherever he wished
- Raise fresh forces
- Levy money
This is referenced by Thucydides, 8.5.2.
According to Xenophon, what is stated about decisions in Sparta?
All decisions stem from the king
This is noted in Lac Pol, 13.10.
What role do ephors play during military campaigns?
Ensure everyone behaves appropriately
This is mentioned in Xenophon, Lac Pol, 13.5.
What law was passed regarding Agis and his advisers?
He was to have 10 advisers and could not lead an army without them
This is referenced by Thucydides, 5.63.
What was the ratio of Helots to Spartans during the campaign at Platea?
7:1
There were 5000 Spartans and 35,000 Helots, as noted by Herodotus, 9.28.
Why did Spartans send some of their helots out of the country?
They feared a revolution
This concern is mentioned by Thucydides, 4.80.
Who took a force of helots and what was the composition of his army?
Brasidas; the rest were mercenaries
This is noted in Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, 4.81.
What happened to the Helots who fought with Brasidas?
They were given their freedom
This is referenced by Thucydides, 5.34.
What is one reason for Spartan military superiority?
Spartan Mirage and Helot Threat
Spartans did not chase fleeing opponents, benefiting their strategy.
True or false: Spartans often chased after fleeing opponents.
FALSE
This strategy led enemies to be more likely to desert, as noted by Plutarch, Life of Lykourgos, 22.
What did most Spartan institutions aim to secure?
Security against the Helots
This is a point made by Thucydides.
What does Agoge aim to create in Spartan soldiers?
Strong loyal soldiers
This is reflected in the education and training of Spartan youth.
According to Tyrtaeus, what is noble for a man in battle?
To fall in the front line
This is noted in Tyrtaeus, 10.
What was the focus of Spartan education according to Plutarch?
- Instant obedience
- Endurance of pain
- Military success
This is mentioned in Plutarch, Life of Lykourgos, 16.6.
What did Lykourgos decree about Spartan boys’ clothing?
They should habitually wear one garment all year round
This is referenced by Xenophon, Lac. Pol, 2.
What were boys allowed to do regarding food in Spartan education?
Try and steal more, as they weren’t given much
This is noted in Xenophon, Lac Pol, 2.
What does Xenophon say about Lakedaimonians in war?
They are the true professionals in the overall conduct of war
This is noted in Xenophon, Lak. Pol, 13.5.
According to Plutarch, what did war bring to Spartans?
Relief from their training for war
This is mentioned in Plutarch, Life of Lykourgos, 22.
