When on campaign, the king is autonomous. What powers does he have?
- Send troops wherever he wishes b
- Raise fresh forces
- Levy money
[Thuc.8.5.2]
This autonomy is highlighted by Thucydides, who notes Agis’s powers while at Declea.
What is stated about the source of decisions in Sparta?
‘All decisions stem from the king’ [Xenophon Lak Pol]
This emphasizes the king’s central role in decision-making.
What is the role of Ephors during a campaign?
Ensure everyone behaves appropriately [Xen.Lak.Pol.13.5]
This is mentioned by Xenophon in Lac Pol, indicating the oversight role of Ephors.
Was it legal for both kings to go out on campaign?
No
Herodotus 5.75 states that it was illegal for both kings to campaign together.
What is one power the king does not have on campaign?
Non military matters, like sending out delegations to friends or foes
This limitation is noted by Xenophon Lak Pol 13.10, indicating the boundaries of a king’s authority.
Kings held decision-making power as part of the Gerousia[Herod.6.57]. What is one example of their influence?
Archidamos addressed the assembly in 432 BC
[Thuc.1.80]
## Footnote ##
He attempted to convince them not to go to war, showcasing the king’s role in political discourse.
What are two privileges that set kings above other Spartiates?
- Two priesthoods of Zeus Lacedaemon and Zeus Uranius
- Hides of all animals offered in sacrifice
These privileges are noted by Herodotus 6.56/7, highlighting the kings’ elevated status.
Are kings completely above the law in Sparta?
No
Agis did not attend the mess after returning from campaign so her was fined, indicating that kings are still beholden to the law. [Plut.Lyk.12]
What exemption does the law provide for boys being raised as future kings?
Exempt from compulsory practices , such as the Agoge.
This is mentioned by Plutarch, Life of Aegesilaos 1, indicating special considerations for future kings.
True or false: Kings and ephors swap oaths each month regarding privileges.
TRUE, according to Xenophon Lak Pol 15.7
This oath ensures that ephors won’t take the kings’ privileges as long as the kings abide by their oath, showing their powerlessness.
What law was passed regarding Agis’s ability to lead an army?
He was to have 10 advisers, who he could not lead an army without
This law limited his command, as noted by Thucydides 5.63
What happened to Pleistoanax for allegedly bribing the Delphic priestess?
He was exiled from Sparta
This incident is recorded by Thucydides 5.16, illustrating the political consequences faced by kings.
What does the establishment of navarchy signify for the power of kings?
It was dwindling as kings weren’t sole commanders of the army anymore.
Aristotle, Politics notes that navarchy became another form of kingship, diminishing the kings’ exclusive command.
By the end of the period, who began proposing war to the Spartans?
The ephors, with Sthenelaides against King Archidamus
This shift in influence is noted by Thucydides 1.87, indicating a change in the political landscape.
What am 3 examples of the decrease in kings power over time, at the hands of the Spartan public/ephorate?
-putting them on trial (Cleomenes, Hdt. 6.82)
-fining them (Agis Lyc. 12)
-exiling them (Demaratus, Hdt. 6.65)
ALL OF THESE ARE OUTSIDE OF PERIOD SO DONT BASE ARGUMENT AROUND THEM(NOT AGIS)
