What is the term for the officials in Sparta who had limited power and served for only one year?
Ephors
This meant ephors were vulnerable to anyone they annoyed, including the Kings.
Who created the ephorate during their reign?
King Theopompous, according to Plutarch.
This occurred 130 years after Lykourgos.
According to modern historianPaul Cartledge, when was the ephorate first appointed?
720-650 BC
This is discussed in The Spartans, An Epic History.
What significant action did Sthenelaides take as ephor regarding Athens?
Had the Apella vote on whether Athens had broken the peace treaty
This is recorded in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War 1.87.
What do the ephors do to limit the power of kings?
- Go on campaign to ensure appropriate behavior
- Swap oaths with kings each month
This is outlined in Xenophon’s Lac Pol 13.5 and 15.7.
True or false: The ephors and kings swap oaths to ensure the ephors won’t take the kings’ privileges.
TRUE
This is mentioned in Xenophon’s Lac Pol 15.7.
What was the consequence for King Agis after wanting to eat at home with his wife post-war?
He was fined
This incident is noted in Plutarch’s Life of Lykourgos 12.
According to Plutarch, Life of Lykourgos 29.6, how did the creation of the ephorate affect the constitution?
It strengthened it
It appeared democratic but actually secured the aristocracy.
What powers do ephors have regarding foreign embassies and military?
- Inflict punishments at will
- Require immediate payment of fines
- Depose magistrates during their term
- Proclaim age-groups to be called up
These powers are discussed in Xenophon’s Lac. Pol 8 and 11.
How do ephors relate to the concept of equality in Sparta?
- Come from the whole population
- BUT this means they can be bought due to their poverty
This perspective is provided by Aristotle in Politics.
According to Aristotle, what role do ephors play in the Spartan constitution?
They hold the constitution together [Aristotle]
This is because the people share the supreme power.
Who did Xenophon believe created the ephorate?
Lykourgos
What was Aristotles opinion on the kings?
“even they had to curry popular favour”
