top of page

Social and Political Structure

“Some, indeed, say that the best constitution is a combination of all existing forms, and they praise the Lacedaemonian because it is made up of oligarchy, monarchy, and democracy, the king forming the monarchy, and the council of elders the oligarchy while the democratic element is represented by the Ephors; for the Ephors are selected from the people.” Aristotle, Politics

2.1 The issue of Lycurgus (The Great Rhetra)

Download the document for a summary and sources

2.2 Roles and Privileges of the Two Kings

  • One came from the Agiad Family and the other the Eurypontid family

  • They were the chief priests of the state and were in charge of keeping the oracles from Delphi

  • They were the war leaders- but only one king at a time was in charge or away on a military campaign

  • They had limited judicial powers. Although they were a member of the Gerousia, they still only held two votes on this council. They were superised by Ephors and could be put on trial and deposed by these five magistrates,

  • They had a voice in foreign affairs, but once again it was shared by the Ephors.

  • Kings received privileges at public events and were given an animal to sacrifice each month.

 

2.3 Government- Ephorate, Gerousia, Ekklesia

download the document and complete the table using the textbook to summarise the role of each official. The visual diagram below, can also help in clarifying the roles of each governing body.

 

 

Check your Understanding

 

  1. Using ancient sources to support your claims, explain the role of the two kings.

  2. Why might the Two Kings' judicial power be limited? Use sources to support.

2.4 Social Structure- Saprtiates, Perioikoi, Helots

Spartan Social structure was divided into 3 main groups with the Spartiates being the citizens of Sparta, the Perioikoi the dwellers around the city who remained autonomous yet were subject to larger Spartan rule, and the Helots being the slave population. Download the document for a summary or the Powerpoint for more details of each group as well as their purpose and impact on the ancient society.

 

 

 

HSC Practice Questions- complete with the support of sources

 

  1. Who were the perioikoi? (2 marks)

  2. Who were the helots? (3 marks)

  3. Describe how land ownership was organised in Sparta in this period. (5 marks)

  4. Outline the main features of the syssitia. (3 marks)

  5. With reference to sources, explain the organisation of Spartan society (10 marks)

2.5 The Spartan Army

 

 

 

 

"I shall fight as long as I live, and I shall not consider it more important to be alive than to be free"

Oath at Plataea

As you should already know, the Spartan army was the main focus of the entire society. The aim was to produce a strong fighting force of great warriors who were willing to die for Sparta.

 

There are many details to exmaine for this section. Download the handout that will be given in class for more details and some sources to support your claims.

2.6 Control of the helots: the military, syssitia, krypteia.

  • The helots outnumbered the Spartiates 7 to 1

  • They rebelled on several occasions and they timed their revolts to coincide with other problems faced by Sparta (for example- earthquakes, military campaigns)

  • This would maximise their advantage in a revolt.

  • Sparta had a full time, permanent, professional trained army, however they could not be away from Sparta for long because of the fear of revolt in their absence.  

  • There is evidence of revolts- In 464 BC the helots took the opportunity offered by the disruption that followed a major earthquake to stage a revolt. Large numbers of Messenian helots revolted and fled to Mt Ithome. The Spartans had to call on the aid of the Athenians, who assisted the Spartans in relocating these helots on the coast of the Corinthian Gulf.

  • The Ephors could declare war on the helots at any time and they often did so once each year. The Krypteia were then used to terrorise and murder a large number of helots.

  • Plutarch tells us that the most sensible and well-regarded young men were chosen as the Krypteia.

  • Paul Cartledge, comments on the Krypteia- calling them a special kind of commando unit or a 'special ops' team whose main aim was to "murder selected troublemaking helots and spread terror among the rest."

  • Another method of controlling the helots was through humiliation and power. The helots had to work on a kleros and produce food and wine for the syssitia.

  • This was their role and constant work kept them busy and controlled.

  • They were brought into the Syssitia  and forced to drink undiluted wine - a form of humiliation for the helots

    Evidence from Pomperoy confirms this behaviour; The helots were “forced to consume undiluted wine and to perform vulgar and ridiculous songs and dances” (Pomeroy)

Question:

 

Discuss the issue of the helots. How did the Spartans control their slave population?

2.7 Artisans, Helots

  • This is a very vague dot point in the syllabus and most texts suggest you refer to social structure.

  • What I gather it is asking us to cover is the artisans or skilled craftsmen within Sparta and the role of the helots.

 

Artisans:

  • Sparta's artisans were the Perioikoi. No citizens had the time to engage in this type of work and we have evidence that it was the Perioikoi who provided Sparta with its manufacturing of arts and crafts.

  • Examples of these types of items include: furniture, clothing, weapons, pottery, etc.

  • Therefore, the Perioikoi could become very prosperous.

 

Helots:

  • Refer to social structure for full details on the role of the helots within society- just remember that they were Sparta's labour force- engaging in agricultural work, construction and general manual labour.

2.8 Education System- Agoge

  • Agoge= system of education and discipline which taught Spartan males the values of Spartan society: obedience to the law, comradeship, bravery, self sacrifice and patriotism

  • Included harsh training in order to inculcate the Spartan citizens with the mental and physical attributes needed to preserve the society and defend it

  • Download the document for a summary of the main features of the Agoge.

 

 

Past HSC questions

 

  1. What was the agoge? (3 marks)
  2. Describe the role of the agoge in the education of Spartan boys. (5 marks)

 

2.9 Role and status of Women: land ownership, inheritance, education

 

  • Spartiate women played a role that was completely secondary to males. They were not able to participate in government or hold office, or serve in the military. A woman’s place was in the oikos (home). But they did play an important role as the bearers of children, the mothers of warriors, as heiresses and the managers of estates.

  • Download the document for more details on the role of women within Spartan society.

 

bottom of page