02-21-2008, 12:11 AM
Quote:I have it somewhere, but then, I find it hard to imagine anyone could be king?
Not everyone could. There were two bloodlines from which the spartans could draw their kings- sounds like the USA!
Quote:I thought in times of war only then could the kings lead the army.
The ephors were a group of elders who kept them in check?
What? you mean they were not degenerate mongrels who lived on a hill with subaquatic virgins??? :lol:
Actually, they were elected by the whole assembly of spartiates and anyone could be one. You could only serve once and only for a year. At the end of your year you were expected to stand trial for any excesses you may have done. It is probably the best system of representative democracy the world has known, but like our own was subject to graft. Rich men could buy off poor men who were ephors.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
