The Evolution of The Evolution of Archaic SpartaArchaic Sparta

February 1February 1stst, 2012, 2012

What is the Spartan Mirage What is the Spartan Mirage and why is it problematic for and why is it problematic for

historians?historians?

The Spartan MirageThe Spartan Mirage Distorted historical image (both ancient and Distorted historical image (both ancient and

modern) of ancient Sparta.modern) of ancient Sparta.

Not a problem of a Not a problem of a lacklack of sources, but of of sources, but of qualityquality of sources; tendency to idealize ancient Sparta.of sources; tendency to idealize ancient Sparta.

Sparta a closed society; highly xenophobic, not Sparta a closed society; highly xenophobic, not open to trade etc.open to trade etc.

Sparta changes over time; often not reflected in Sparta changes over time; often not reflected in the sources.the sources.

The Idealization of Spartan The Idealization of Spartan PoliteiaPoliteia

In other states, I suppose, all men make as much money as they In other states, I suppose, all men make as much money as they can. One is a farmer, another a ship-owner, another a merchant, can. One is a farmer, another a ship-owner, another a merchant, and others live by different handicrafts. [2] But at Sparta and others live by different handicrafts. [2] But at Sparta Lycurgus forbade freeborn citizens to have anything to do with Lycurgus forbade freeborn citizens to have anything to do with business affairs. He insisted on their regarding as their own business affairs. He insisted on their regarding as their own concern only those activities that make for civic freedom. [3] concern only those activities that make for civic freedom. [3] Indeed, how should wealth be a serious object there, when he Indeed, how should wealth be a serious object there, when he insisted on equal contributions to the food supply and on the insisted on equal contributions to the food supply and on the same standard of living for all, and thus cut off the attraction of same standard of living for all, and thus cut off the attraction of money for indulgence' sake? Why, there is not even any need of money for indulgence' sake? Why, there is not even any need of money to spend on cloaks: for their adornment is due not to the money to spend on cloaks: for their adornment is due not to the price of their clothes, but to the excellent condition of their price of their clothes, but to the excellent condition of their bodies. [4] Nor yet is there any reason for amassing money in bodies. [4] Nor yet is there any reason for amassing money in order to spend it on one's messmates; for he made it more order to spend it on one's messmates; for he made it more respectable to help one's fellows by toiling with the body than by respectable to help one's fellows by toiling with the body than by spending money,spending money, pointing out that toil is an employment of the pointing out that toil is an employment of the soul, spending an employment of wealth. soul, spending an employment of wealth.

(Xenophon. Con. Lac. 7.3-4. G.W. Bowersock, 1925 - http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0210%3Atext%3DConst.+Lac.%3Achapter%3D7)(Xenophon. Con. Lac. 7.3-4. G.W. Bowersock, 1925 - http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0210%3Atext%3DConst.+Lac.%3Achapter%3D7)

Location of SpartaLocation of Sparta

http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/imperialism/maps/sparta.jpg

Mycenaean and Dark Age Mycenaean and Dark Age SpartaSparta

Sparta a major Mycenaean center.Sparta a major Mycenaean center.

Victim of the Late Bronze Age collapse.Victim of the Late Bronze Age collapse.

Ca. 1000 BCE – Dorian speaking Greeks move into Eurotas Ca. 1000 BCE – Dorian speaking Greeks move into Eurotas River valley and the Laconian plain.River valley and the Laconian plain.

Ca. 800 BCE – Gradual economic & political recovery, Ca. 800 BCE – Gradual economic & political recovery, population increase; population increase; synoikismossynoikismos of five villages. of five villages.

Land shortage and Stasis.Land shortage and Stasis.

Messenian Wars: 1. ca. 740-720 BCE. 2. ca. 650 BCE.Messenian Wars: 1. ca. 740-720 BCE. 2. ca. 650 BCE.

Colonization of Taras (aka Tarrentum) in 706 BCE.Colonization of Taras (aka Tarrentum) in 706 BCE.

The Foundation of SpartaThe Foundation of SpartaStrabo, Strabo, GeographyGeography 8.5.4 8.5.4

““According to Ephorus the Herakleidai, Eurysthenes and According to Ephorus the Herakleidai, Eurysthenes and Prokles, took possession of Lakonia, divided it into six Prokles, took possession of Lakonia, divided it into six parts and turned the chora into poleis. One of these parts and turned the chora into poleis. One of these divisions, Amyklai, they picked our as a gift for the man divisions, Amyklai, they picked our as a gift for the man who had betrayed Lakonia to them and who persuaded who had betrayed Lakonia to them and who persuaded its ruler at that time to come to an agreement and its ruler at that time to come to an agreement and emigrate, with the Achaeans to Ionia. Sparta they emigrate, with the Achaeans to Ionia. Sparta they designated as their own, and the royal seat. To the designated as their own, and the royal seat. To the other places they sent kings, with the authority to take other places they sent kings, with the authority to take in any strangers (xenoi) who wished to live with them – in any strangers (xenoi) who wished to live with them – this because the population was so small. Because of its this because the population was so small. Because of its good harbor they mad use of Las as a naval station, good harbor they mad use of Las as a naval station, while Aigys became a base for operations against their while Aigys became a base for operations against their enemies, since its territory bordered upon those of enemies, since its territory bordered upon those of neighboring peoples. Pharis served as the treasury, neighboring peoples. Pharis served as the treasury, since it afforded security against external attack.” since it afforded security against external attack.” (Crawford & Whitehead, 1983)(Crawford & Whitehead, 1983)

The Growth of Spartan The Growth of Spartan PowerPower

Between ca. 700 BCE and 500 BCE Between ca. 700 BCE and 500 BCE Sparta would become the major Sparta would become the major military power in Greece.military power in Greece.

The Spartan The Spartan politeiapoliteia..

The The Peloponnesian LeaguePeloponnesian League..

The Conquest of Laconia and The Conquest of Laconia and MesseniaMessenia

Conquest of Messenia a vital element in Sparta’s Conquest of Messenia a vital element in Sparta’s social, political, economic development.social, political, economic development.

Ca. 740-720 BCE – Ca. 740-720 BCE – The First Messenian WarThe First Messenian War; ; Sparta driven by land-hunger to conquer fertile Sparta driven by land-hunger to conquer fertile plain of Messenia; local population transformed plain of Messenia; local population transformed into quasi-slaves.into quasi-slaves.

Ca. 650 BCE – Ca. 650 BCE – The Second Messenian WarThe Second Messenian War; Sparta ; Sparta weakened after defeat at b. of Hysiae (669 BCE weakened after defeat at b. of Hysiae (669 BCE vs. Pheidon of Argos); Messenian subjects rebel vs. Pheidon of Argos); Messenian subjects rebel but are quickly subdued.but are quickly subdued.

Strabo, Strabo, GeographyGeography 8.4-10: 8.4-10:On Sparta’s Messenian WarsOn Sparta’s Messenian Wars

““Often the Spartans went to war because of the Messenian’s Often the Spartans went to war because of the Messenian’s revolts. Tyrtaeus says in his poems that the first conquest of revolts. Tyrtaeus says in his poems that the first conquest of Messenia took place in the time of his father’s father, and the Messenia took place in the time of his father’s father, and the second on the occasion when the Messenians chose as their second on the occasion when the Messenians chose as their allies the men of Argos and Elis and Pisa [and Arkadia], and allies the men of Argos and Elis and Pisa [and Arkadia], and rose in revolt….It was in this war, Tyrtaeus maintains, that he rose in revolt….It was in this war, Tyrtaeus maintains, that he himself acted as general for the Spartans, for in his elegaic himself acted as general for the Spartans, for in his elegaic poem called Eunomia he says that he came from Sparta: ‘for poem called Eunomia he says that he came from Sparta: ‘for the son of Kronos himself, Zeus, spouse of fair-crowned Hera, the son of Kronos himself, Zeus, spouse of fair-crowned Hera, has given this polis to the Heraklidai, with whom we left windy has given this polis to the Heraklidai, with whom we left windy Erineos and come to the broad island of Pelops.’ So either Erineos and come to the broad island of Pelops.’ So either these elegies are not authentic or else we must give no these elegies are not authentic or else we must give no credence to Philochorus when he asserts that Tyrtaeus was an credence to Philochorus when he asserts that Tyrtaeus was an Athenian, from the (deme) Aphidna: the story goes – and it is Athenian, from the (deme) Aphidna: the story goes – and it is also in Callisthenes and several other writers – that Tyrtaeus also in Callisthenes and several other writers – that Tyrtaeus came from Athens at the request of the Spartans, whom the came from Athens at the request of the Spartans, whom the oracle had instructed to apply to the Athenians for a leader. oracle had instructed to apply to the Athenians for a leader. Anyway, the second war did occur in Tyrtaeus’ time.” Anyway, the second war did occur in Tyrtaeus’ time.” (Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 45)(Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 45)

What was significant about the What was significant about the Messenian Wars for the Messenian Wars for the development of Spartan development of Spartan

politeiapoliteia??

Implications for the Implications for the Subjugation of MesseniaSubjugation of Messenia

Solved land-shortage issues.Solved land-shortage issues.

Messenians pressed into a semi-servile status (i.e. Helots).Messenians pressed into a semi-servile status (i.e. Helots).

Land divided into 9,000 Kleroi (lots) with Messenian families Land divided into 9,000 Kleroi (lots) with Messenian families tied to them; 9000 Kleroi given to 9000 Spartan citizens; tied to them; 9000 Kleroi given to 9000 Spartan citizens; Land worked by Helots but owned by Spartans.Land worked by Helots but owned by Spartans.

Helots always a potential threat.Helots always a potential threat.

Spartan citizens occupied entirely with preparation for war.Spartan citizens occupied entirely with preparation for war.

Spartan constitution (Spartan constitution (Great RhetraGreat Rhetra) designed to prevent ) designed to prevent future future stasisstasis and prepare Spartans for war; ascribed to a and prepare Spartans for war; ascribed to a mythical lawgiver (mythical lawgiver (LycurgusLycurgus) – more probably evolved ) – more probably evolved gradually.gradually.

The HelotsThe Helots Helots key to the whole Spartan system.Helots key to the whole Spartan system.

Not slaves (i.e. could not be sold outside of Not slaves (i.e. could not be sold outside of Messenia).Messenia).

Not free (i.e. tied to land which they could Not free (i.e. tied to land which they could not own, forced to farm the land for Spartan not own, forced to farm the land for Spartan citizens, conscripted for public labour, citizens, conscripted for public labour, military service as light infantry, no political military service as light infantry, no political rights).rights).

Allowed Spartan citizens to train for war.Allowed Spartan citizens to train for war.

Sparta’s Sparta’s MixedMixed Constitution Constitution Monarchic, aristocratic, and democratic components.Monarchic, aristocratic, and democratic components.

Retained many features of Dark Age political structures.Retained many features of Dark Age political structures.

Society composed of three classes (Spartiates, Perioikoi, Society composed of three classes (Spartiates, Perioikoi, Helots).Helots).

2 Kings.2 Kings.

Gerousia (Council of Elders).Gerousia (Council of Elders).

Ephors (Chief Magistrates).Ephors (Chief Magistrates).

Ekklesia (Assembly of Spartan Citizens).Ekklesia (Assembly of Spartan Citizens).

System of checks and balances.System of checks and balances.

The KingsThe Kings 2 kings from 2 royal families (2 kings from 2 royal families (AgiodaeAgiodae and and

EurypontidaeEurypontidae).).

Declare war and peace.Declare war and peace.

Commanders of the Spartan army.Commanders of the Spartan army.

Chief priests.Chief priests.

Judicial functions over heiresses, adoptions, and Judicial functions over heiresses, adoptions, and public roads.public roads.

Members of the Members of the GerousiaGerousia..

The GerousiaThe Gerousia Council of 30 Elders (28 + 2 kings) over the age Council of 30 Elders (28 + 2 kings) over the age

of 60.of 60.

Elected for life from noble families.Elected for life from noble families.

Pro-bouleticPro-bouletic function (Prepare, review, debate function (Prepare, review, debate legislation before submission to the assembly for legislation before submission to the assembly for a vote).a vote).

Advised kings and Advised kings and ephorsephors..

Functioned as a criminal court.Functioned as a criminal court.

The EphorsThe Ephors Office born of stasis between nobles and people (i.e. Oaths of kings Office born of stasis between nobles and people (i.e. Oaths of kings

and ephors).and ephors).

5 men elected from among the entire citizen body.5 men elected from among the entire citizen body.

Responsible for the protecting the interests of the people against Responsible for the protecting the interests of the people against king and nobles.king and nobles.

Had power to indict the kings.Had power to indict the kings.

Jurisdiction over civil courts.Jurisdiction over civil courts.

Formed a criminal court for the Perioikoi.Formed a criminal court for the Perioikoi.

Responsible for the discipline of the Spartan citizenry.Responsible for the discipline of the Spartan citizenry.

Declared war on the Helots upon taking office (sent out Krypteia = Declared war on the Helots upon taking office (sent out Krypteia = Spartan Spartan ephebesephebes who murder Helots) who murder Helots)

The AssemblyThe Assembly

Comprised of all male Comprised of all male SpartiatesSpartiates over the over the age of thirtyage of thirty

Summoned by the Summoned by the ephorsephors

Elected Elected ephorsephors and members of the and members of the GerousiaGerousia

Voted (did not debate) legislation presented Voted (did not debate) legislation presented by kings or by kings or ephorsephors

Aristotle, Politics 2. 1265 b 33-Aristotle, Politics 2. 1265 b 33-42:42:

On the Mixed Spartan ConstitutionOn the Mixed Spartan Constitution ““Some people maintain that the best Some people maintain that the best politeiapoliteia must must

be a mixture of all the be a mixture of all the politeiaipoliteiai, and they therefore , and they therefore praise that of the Spartans. This is because – on praise that of the Spartans. This is because – on one view – it is a combination of oligarchy, one view – it is a combination of oligarchy, monarchy, and democracy: those who see it this monarchy, and democracy: those who see it this way call the kings the monarchic component and way call the kings the monarchic component and the office of the the office of the gerontesgerontes the oligarchic, while the the oligarchic, while the office of the office of the ephoroiephoroi provides the element of provides the element of democracy, since the democracy, since the ephoroiephoroi are drawn from the are drawn from the demosdemos as a whole. Others, however, declare the as a whole. Others, however, declare the ephorateephorate a tyrannical feature and see democracy a tyrannical feature and see democracy in the system of messes and the other aspects of in the system of messes and the other aspects of daily life.” (Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 48).daily life.” (Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 48).

What was the principal aim of What was the principal aim of the Spartan the Spartan politeiapoliteia??

The Totalitarian State:The Totalitarian State:Spartan Social RelationsSpartan Social Relations

Spartan Spartan politeiapoliteia aimed primarily at warfare, obedience, and aimed primarily at warfare, obedience, and discipline.discipline.

Communism.Communism.

Xenophobia.Xenophobia.

Practiced Practiced eugenicseugenics..

The The agogeagoge..

SyssitiaSyssitia..

Spartan marriage.Spartan marriage.

The Aim of Spartan PoliteiaThe Aim of Spartan Politeia

““A similar spirit appears in some of A similar spirit appears in some of our recent writers who have adopted our recent writers who have adopted this point of view [i.e. on the virtues this point of view [i.e. on the virtues of empire]. They laud the constitution of empire]. They laud the constitution of Sparta, and they admire the aim of of Sparta, and they admire the aim of the Spartan legislator in directing the the Spartan legislator in directing the whole of his legislation to the goal of whole of his legislation to the goal of conquest and war.” conquest and war.”

(Aristotle, (Aristotle, PoliticsPolitics. 7.14.16, 1333b. Trans. E. Barker, 1946).. 7.14.16, 1333b. Trans. E. Barker, 1946).

Spartan CommunismSpartan Communism ““The second of Lykourgos’ schemes for the polis, and a most innovative The second of Lykourgos’ schemes for the polis, and a most innovative

one, was his redistribution of the land. This was necessary because there one, was his redistribution of the land. This was necessary because there was a terrible inequality: many men had no property at all and were a was a terrible inequality: many men had no property at all and were a burden on the polis in their helplessness, while wealth was entirely burden on the polis in their helplessness, while wealth was entirely concentrated in the hands of the small minority. He therefore decided to concentrated in the hands of the small minority. He therefore decided to banish insolence and envy and crime and luxury, at the same time as banish insolence and envy and crime and luxury, at the same time as those two much more old-established and serious diseases which afflict a those two much more old-established and serious diseases which afflict a politeia – wealth and poverty. This he sought to do by persuading them to politeia – wealth and poverty. This he sought to do by persuading them to pool all their land together and divide it out afresh: they were to live with pool all their land together and divide it out afresh: they were to live with each other, one and all, as equals, with plots of the same size ensuring each other, one and all, as equals, with plots of the same size ensuring them life’s necessities, and with their wish to be pre-eminent expressing them life’s necessities, and with their wish to be pre-eminent expressing itself in the pursuit of excellence – the ethos being that between one man itself in the pursuit of excellence – the ethos being that between one man and another there is no difference or inequality other than that and another there is no difference or inequality other than that determined by reproach for shameful actions and praise for good ones. determined by reproach for shameful actions and praise for good ones. That was the theory, and what it meant in practice was a distribution of That was the theory, and what it meant in practice was a distribution of land: 30,000 perioikoi were given plots in Lakonia, while the territory land: 30,000 perioikoi were given plots in Lakonia, while the territory belonging to the belonging to the astuastu itself, Sparta, was divided into 9,000 plots, that itself, Sparta, was divided into 9,000 plots, that being the number of Spartiatai….Each individual’s plot was large enough being the number of Spartiatai….Each individual’s plot was large enough to give a yield of 70 medimnoi of barley for a man and twelve for his wife, to give a yield of 70 medimnoi of barley for a man and twelve for his wife, with a proportionate amount of liquid crops. A plot of this size, in his view, with a proportionate amount of liquid crops. A plot of this size, in his view, would be adequate for men who would need sustenance sufficient for would be adequate for men who would need sustenance sufficient for their vigour and health but nothing more than that.”their vigour and health but nothing more than that.” (Plutarch, (Plutarch, LykourgosLykourgos 8. 8. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 53).Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 53).

Trade and EconomyTrade and Economy “…“…he declared all gold and silver coinage invalid he declared all gold and silver coinage invalid

and prescribed the use of iron currency only. and prescribed the use of iron currency only. Furthermore, to a great and weighty bulk of this Furthermore, to a great and weighty bulk of this he assigned a trifling face-value, so that a he assigned a trifling face-value, so that a quantity worth ten minas required a large quantity worth ten minas required a large household storeroom to keep it in and a pair of household storeroom to keep it in and a pair of oxen and a cart to move it about….After this he oxen and a cart to move it about….After this he also banished, as undesirable aliens, the also banished, as undesirable aliens, the unnecessary and superfluous crafts. And even unnecessary and superfluous crafts. And even without someone driving them out, most of them without someone driving them out, most of them would doubtless have departed along with the would doubtless have departed along with the regular coinage, once there was no medium of regular coinage, once there was no medium of sale for their products…” sale for their products…” (Plutarch, (Plutarch, LykourgosLykourgos 9. Crawford 9. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 53).& Whitehead, Doc. 53).

Building SoldiersBuilding Soldiers ““A father had not the right of bringing up his offspring but had to carry it to a place called A father had not the right of bringing up his offspring but had to carry it to a place called

Lesche where the elders of the tribes sat in judgment upon the child. If they thought it well-built Lesche where the elders of the tribes sat in judgment upon the child. If they thought it well-built and strong, they ordered the father to rear it…but if it was mean-looking or misshapen, they and strong, they ordered the father to rear it…but if it was mean-looking or misshapen, they sent it away to the place called Exposure, a glen at the foot of Mount Taygetus, for they sent it away to the place called Exposure, a glen at the foot of Mount Taygetus, for they considered that a child that did not start out healthy and strong would be handicapped in his considered that a child that did not start out healthy and strong would be handicapped in his own life and of no value to the state….” own life and of no value to the state….” (Xenophon, Const. Lac. 14. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)(Xenophon, Const. Lac. 14. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)

““Nor was each man allowed to bring up and educate his son as he chose, but as soon as the Nor was each man allowed to bring up and educate his son as he chose, but as soon as the boys were seven years old Lycurgus took them from their parents and enrolled them in boys were seven years old Lycurgus took them from their parents and enrolled them in companies. Here they lived and ate in common and shared their play and work…The older men companies. Here they lived and ate in common and shared their play and work…The older men watched them at their play, and by instituting fights and trials of strength, accurately learned watched them at their play, and by instituting fights and trials of strength, accurately learned which were the bravest and the strongest…As they grew older their training became more which were the bravest and the strongest…As they grew older their training became more severe…They were taught to steal…if one is caught, he is severely whipped for stealing severe…They were taught to steal…if one is caught, he is severely whipped for stealing carelessly and clumsily…The boys steal with such earnestness that there is a story of one who carelessly and clumsily…The boys steal with such earnestness that there is a story of one who had taken a fox’s cub and hidden it under his cloak, and, though his entrails were being torn out had taken a fox’s cub and hidden it under his cloak, and, though his entrails were being torn out by the claws and teeth of the beast, persevered in concealing it until he died…” by the claws and teeth of the beast, persevered in concealing it until he died…” (Xenophon, Const. (Xenophon, Const. Lac. 16-18. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)Lac. 16-18. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)

““Considering education to be the most important and noblest work of a law-giver, he began at Considering education to be the most important and noblest work of a law-giver, he began at the very beginning by regulating marriages and the birth of children…He strengthened the the very beginning by regulating marriages and the birth of children…He strengthened the bodies of the girls by exercise in running, wrestling, and hurling the discus or the javelin, in bodies of the girls by exercise in running, wrestling, and hurling the discus or the javelin, in order that their children might spring from a healthy source and grow up strong, and that they order that their children might spring from a healthy source and grow up strong, and that they themselves might have strength to easily endure the pains of childbirth. He did away with all themselves might have strength to easily endure the pains of childbirth. He did away with all seclusion and retirement of women, and ordained that girls, no less than boys, should go naked seclusion and retirement of women, and ordained that girls, no less than boys, should go naked in processions, and dance and sing at festivals in the presence of young men…This nakedness of in processions, and dance and sing at festivals in the presence of young men…This nakedness of the maidens had in it nothing disgraceful. It was done modestly, not licentiously, and it produced the maidens had in it nothing disgraceful. It was done modestly, not licentiously, and it produced habits of simplicity and taught them to desire good health and beauty of body, and to love habits of simplicity and taught them to desire good health and beauty of body, and to love honor and courage no less than the men.” (Xenophon, Const. Lac. 14. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)honor and courage no less than the men.” (Xenophon, Const. Lac. 14. Lim & Bailkey, 2002)

Spartan Hegemony and the Spartan Hegemony and the Peloponnesian LeaguePeloponnesian League

546 BCE – Sparta defeats Argos.546 BCE – Sparta defeats Argos.

546 – 500 BCE – Formation of alliances 546 – 500 BCE – Formation of alliances with Peloponnesians and Boeotian states with Peloponnesians and Boeotian states with Sparta as with Sparta as hegemonhegemon..

Peloponnesian LeaguePeloponnesian League..

Internal autonomy for member poleis; Internal autonomy for member poleis; Sparta decides on matters of war and Sparta decides on matters of war and peace; Sparta provides commanders for all peace; Sparta provides commanders for all campaigns.campaigns.

Thucydides 1.76 On the Thucydides 1.76 On the Peloponnesian LeaguePeloponnesian League

““At all events, Lacedaemonians, we At all events, Lacedaemonians, we may retort that you, in the exercise may retort that you, in the exercise of your supremacy, manage the of your supremacy, manage the cities of Peloponnesus to suit your cities of Peloponnesus to suit your own views…” (Trans. B. Jowett, own views…” (Trans. B. Jowett, 1881). 1881).

The Peloponnesian LeagueThe Peloponnesian League

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~mmgower

What were some of the flaws What were some of the flaws inherent in the Spartan inherent in the Spartan

politeiapoliteia??

Weaknesses in the SystemWeaknesses in the System

The Helot threat.The Helot threat.

Shrinking population: 1. Infanticide. 2. Shrinking population: 1. Infanticide. 2. Frequent warfare. 3. Marital relations. 4. Frequent warfare. 3. Marital relations. 4. Emigration.Emigration.

Gradual emergence of inequality Gradual emergence of inequality through: 1. Military success (esp. after through: 1. Military success (esp. after 404 BCE). 2. Changes to Spartan 404 BCE). 2. Changes to Spartan inheritance laws.inheritance laws.

Sparta Past and PresentSparta Past and Present ““Should anyone ask me whether I think that the laws of Lycurgus still remain Should anyone ask me whether I think that the laws of Lycurgus still remain

unchanged at this day, I certainly could not say that with any confidence unchanged at this day, I certainly could not say that with any confidence whatever.whatever.1 [2] For I know that formerly the Lacedaemonians preferred to live [2] For I know that formerly the Lacedaemonians preferred to live together at home with moderate fortunes rather than expose themselves to together at home with moderate fortunes rather than expose themselves to the corrupting influences of flattery as governors of dependent states. [3] And the corrupting influences of flattery as governors of dependent states. [3] And I know too that in former days they were afraid to be found in possession of I know too that in former days they were afraid to be found in possession of gold; whereas nowadays there are some who even boast of their possessions. gold; whereas nowadays there are some who even boast of their possessions. [4] There were alien acts in former days, and to live abroad was illegal; and I [4] There were alien acts in former days, and to live abroad was illegal; and I have no doubt that the purpose of these regulations was to keep the citizens have no doubt that the purpose of these regulations was to keep the citizens from being demoralized by contact with foreigners; and now I have no doubt from being demoralized by contact with foreigners; and now I have no doubt that the fixed ambition of those who are thought to be first among them is to that the fixed ambition of those who are thought to be first among them is to live to their dying day as governors in a foreign land. [5] There was a time live to their dying day as governors in a foreign land. [5] There was a time when they would fain be worthy of leadership; but now they strive far more when they would fain be worthy of leadership; but now they strive far more earnestly to exercise rule than to be worthy of it. [6] Therefore in times past earnestly to exercise rule than to be worthy of it. [6] Therefore in times past the Greeks would come to Lacedaemon and beg her to lead them against the Greeks would come to Lacedaemon and beg her to lead them against reputed wrongdoers; but now many are calling on one another to prevent a reputed wrongdoers; but now many are calling on one another to prevent a revival of Lacedaemonian supremacy. [7] Yet we need not wonder if these revival of Lacedaemonian supremacy. [7] Yet we need not wonder if these reproaches are levelled at them, since it is manifest that they obey neither reproaches are levelled at them, since it is manifest that they obey neither their god nor the laws of Lycurgus.” (Xen. their god nor the laws of Lycurgus.” (Xen. Con. LacCon. Lac. 14. G.W. Bowerstock, . 14. G.W. Bowerstock, 1925)1925)

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0210%3Atext%3DConst.+Lac.http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0210%3Atext%3DConst.+Lac.%3Achapter%3D14%3Achapter%3D14

What impact has the Spartan What impact has the Spartan Mirage had on later periods in Mirage had on later periods in

Western History?Western History?