How did Sparta have 2 kings?

Sparta in time developed a system of dual kingship (two kings ruling at once). Their power was counter-balanced by the elected board of ephors (who may only serve a single one-year term). There was also a Council of Elders (Gerousia), each member of which was over the age of 60 and could serve for life.

What made Sparta so unique?

Sparta functioned under an oligarchy of two hereditary kings. Unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, Spartan society focused heavily on military training and excellence. Spartan women enjoyed status, power, and respect that was unequaled in the rest of the classical world.

How many kings did Sparta always have?

two kings
The ancient Greek city of Sparta was ruled by two kings, one from each of the two founding families, Agaidai and Eurypontidae.

What was unusual about Sparta’s kings?

Sparta was unusual among the Greek city-states in that it maintained its kingship past the Archaic age. It was even more unusual in that it had two kings simultaneously, who were called the archagetai, coming from two separate lines.

What was the function of the two kings?

The duties of the kings were mainly religious, judicial and military. They were the chief priests of the state, and had to perform certain sacrifices and to maintain communication with the Delphian sanctuary, which always exercised great authority in Spartan politia.

What is true of the two kings in Sparta’s form of government?

Spartan political system was a combination of monarchy (kings), oligarchy (Gerousia) and democracy (ephoroi, ephors). Oligarchy– Sparta always had two kings, the state was ruled by two hereditary kings of the Agiad and Eurypontid families (probably the two gens had great merits in the conquest of Laconia).

What are three facts about Sparta?

Interesting Facts about Sparta

• Boys were encouraged to steal food.
• Spartan men were required to stay fit and ready to fight until the age of 60.
• The term “spartan” is often used to describe something simple or without comfort.
• The Spartans considered themselves to be direct descendents of the Greek hero Hercules.

Can there be two kings?

It’s fairly common for two leaders to share power; historical conflicts between leaders are what led to the popular arrangements of executives/ministers/legislators/judges that we have today. You could allow each co-king to have their own domain: perhaps one governs internal affairs, the other external.

Why was Sparta a rival of Athens?

Athens and Sparta differed in their ideas of getting along with the rest of the Greek empires. Sparta seemed to be content with themselves and provided their army whenever required . That is why it considered itself as the protector of the Greek. On the other hand, Athens wanted to take control of more and more land in Greece.

Did Sparta or Athens have two kings?

Sparta was ruled by two kings , who ruled until they died or were forced out of office. Athens was ruled by archons, who were elected annually. Thus, because both parts of Athens’ government had leaders who were elected, Athens is said to have been the birthplace of democracy. Spartan life was simple.

Is Sparta a democracy?

Sparta’s system of government was very exclusive and open to members of only the highest social standing. On the other hand, Athens was a democracy, which meant “rule by the people” – “demos” (people, or the masses) and “kratis” (rule).

Why did Sparta join with the Athens?

Sparta called upon Athens to assist in the putting down a helot rebellion in Spartan territory. Helots were essentially slaves who did most if not all of the manual labor in Sparta.