Most Important Features of the Spartan Social and Political System

                   Most Important Features of the Spartan Social and Political System

The Spartan had a unique form of governance than the other Greek states. Although the Spartans were comparatively small in number compared to all the other Greeks, their militaristic lifestyle as established by Lycurgus, quintessentially produced a strong society that is reminiscent of modern democratic societies (Moore 1975:75). This essay will evaluate the most significant social and political system practiced by the Spartan society. In addition, it will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the social and political system that was practiced in this society.

Sparta operated in a way that reflected a democratic state although other forms of governance were inherent within the state (Aristotle 2013:145). The political activities of the state were organized by four unique and distinct entities, which included the kings, the elders, the aphors, and the assembly. At the helm of the government were two co-kings that came from different family lines. The design of the leadership was to ensure a smooth running of the affairs of the state by ensuring strong checks and balances, thus reflecting a truly democratic society.

The political structure also reflected a form of oligarchy, where a small clique controlled the affairs of the state. However, the kings did not wield power solely for their won advantage since they worked hard to win the favor of the people, and were charged with leading the army (Moore 1975:77). Below the kings were the Gerontes, or the elders who were of noble backgrounds. They were elected by the people and held their office for all their life. The elders acted as the modern judicial systems and had more influence in the politics of the state. They had veto powers over the decisions of the assembly. The other branch was known as the ephors that comprised of five members. They were responsible for impeaching kings. In their role, they assumed the duty of the Supreme Court. The last political group was the Appella, or the assembly of the people, which was held once a month (Moore 1975:113). The Appella was open to males aged 30 and above and could support or veto the recommendations of the ephors (Moore 1975:110). Women did not have any right in the politics of Sparta. Their role, in the ideology of the state, was to bear strong children (Blundell 1995: 157). Although the political system reflected various forms of governments, it nonetheless operated in an open and transparent manner.

The social structure of the state was operated with a caste system that saw Sparta prosper for many years (Powell 1988: 248). The upper echelon comprised of the Spartiate. Below the Spartiate were the perioeci. At the bottom were the helots. The Spartiate enjoyed a unique position in society. The group consisted of those who could relate their origin to the first inhabitants of the city. The Spartiate was privileged than the others because it was granted both the political and legal rights within the city. They were the tasked with leading the military and ran the affairs of the state. Right below them was the perioeci who had lesser rights compared to the Spartiate. They had the right to receive formal education and were responsible for trade and communication. The last groups were the helots.  The helots were hated by the top brass and were mostly slaves “who were constantly awaiting many misfortunes as if in ambush” (Aristotle Politics Extract 46). However, they found solace by joining the military. In essence, the society was tailored in a caste system, with the top brass enjoying more democratic space than the others. The caste system was essentially tailored to work for the good of the populace as the government and society functioned well. The social structure, indeed, formed the foundation for a prosperous state for many years unlike in the other states.

The social life of the Spartans, to some extent, went on to embrace the tenet of socialism (Moore 1975:89). In other states, the norm was for the head of the family to guide the affairs of his household. However, Lycurgus had a different approach to life within the Sparta. Every man had the same authority to instill discipline among the Spartan children. In addition, one could use the property of another person in case of an urgent need. For instance, a person could use the carriage of another to rush to the hospital. Besides, the less fortunate had the freedom to partake of the resources of the rich. The common usage of resources depicted a form of socialism that is practiced in some modem states.

From the onset, the social and political atmosphere in the Spartan society looks impressive (Aristotle Politics Extract 46). It can be described as a model of a society that strives to maintain a unique culture for its own advantages. The Spartan society gave women more leverage than most states in Greek (Blundell 1995: 157). However, the suppression of people’s individuality is one of the most significant shortcomings of the society. In addition, the Sparta did not give its citizens cultural freedoms, which could jeopardize a society’s reputation in future generations. For instance, most people are often aware of Athens, but have little information concerning Sparta.  If the people had been given cultural freedom, there would indeed be many memorable architectural designs of this society.

The social life in the Spartan society did not take cognizance of individual rights (Proietti 1987: 19).  The use of force to undertake a predetermined course of life within the society was specifically to compel the people to adhere to a common way of life. This left little room for individuals to exercise their own freedom. In addition, democracy was a preserve for the top brass. Moreover, the socialist approach, though it could work well in a well organized society, could also be a recipe for disaster (Blundell 1995: 156). It is possible for a lazy person to use the resources of others under the pretext of urgency to fulfill his or her own selfish needs.

The most significant advantage of the political system of the Sparta was its effectiveness in ensuring harmony by its checks and balances. The political set up provided a firm grip on the affairs of the state. The kings were careful to please the people, and thus operated with utmost respect and care. In addition, the mode of electing adopted by the Appella, known as range voting, was simple and transparent; hence, there was no room for cheating in the voting process. Indeed, the political system of the Sparta is almost evocative of modern democratic societies. Moreover, the aphors, elders and the assembly, as a part of the ruling elite, is reminiscent of an enlightened society.

However, the most notable shortcoming of the Sparta was its militaristic approach that denied people individual freedoms as is in modern societies. The political structure of the society seemed to hold marriage in disdain. Love, as it is known in marriage, had little space in the militaristic society of Sparta. For instance, the role of parents to love and raise their children was diminished as the children were snatched at the age of seven and relegated to military training.

In conclusion, the Spartan, under the guidance of Lycurgus, operated a unique form of administration, which combined different form of governance. In the political arena, there were two co-kings who ensured a fair administration of the affairs of the state. On the social front, life was organized in a way that left little room for individual preferences. The use of a predetermined and organized way of life ensured the Spartan worked towards a common goal. Overall, the political and social structure of Sparta produced a unique form of government reminiscence of the various forms of modern governments.

Works Cited

Primary Sources

Aristotle. 2013. Politics Extract. Melbourne: Trinity College Foundation Studies.

Secondary Sources

Blundell, S. 1995. Women in Ancient Greece. Cambridge, Mass. Harvard University Press. Pp. 150-158.

Moore, J.M. 1975. Aristotle and Xenophon on Democracy and Oligarchy. London: Chatto & Windus.

Perry, M. et.al.2013. Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics & Society. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Pomeroy, S. 2002. Spartan Women. New York: Oxford University Press. Pp.3-137.

Powell, A. 1988. Athens and Sparta: Constructing Greek Political and Social History

Proietti, G. 1987. Xenophon’s Sparta: An Introduction. Leiden: E.J.Brill. pp.44-79.

Sowerby, R.1995. The Greek: An Introduction to their Culture. London: Routledge. Pp.63-65.

Todd, S. 1996. Athens and Sparta. London: Bristol Classics Press.

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