Spartan Oligarchy vs.
Athenian Democracy
A detailed look at the
governments that developed in
each city-state
1
Sparta
2
Oligarchy
is a form of government in which all power
is vested in a few persons or in a dominant
class or clique; government by the few.
www.dictionary.com
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Sparta
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8th century, Spartans are starving
Take over neighbor Messenia’s fertile lands
640 BC Messenia revolts, Spartans almost
destroyed, but still retain control of land
650 BC Lycurgus takes power
Converts Sparta into a Military State with
Oligarchy
Spartan way of life drastically changed
Spartans become a people dedicated solely
to warfare
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/SPARTA.HTM
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Social Structure of Sparta
1.
Spartiates:
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2.
Peroci
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3.
Spartan Men, warriors, full citizenship, full
rights
Foreigners brought in for their crafts and what
they provide to community, partial citizenship
and rights
Eg. Blacksmiths, Carpenters
Helots
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Slaves, no freedom, no rights
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Kings
1.
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Spartan Government
Duties: Religious, Judicial (limited), Military
Ephors (Five Overseers)
2.
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Elected, one year term, day to day, civil and criminal
cases, most powerful branch
Gerousia (Council/Senate)
3.
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28 men over the age of 60 (plus 2 kings), duty was to
provide wisdom and suggest laws to be voted on
Apella (Assembly)
4.
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All Spartan Citizens (Spartiates) over 30, only purpose
was to vote on suggested laws (could not suggest
laws)
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/educational/lesson1.html#resources
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