The Oligarchy In Sparta's Form Of Government

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Sparta’s form of government was an oligarchy. Their political system was unusual in that it had two hereditary kings from two separate families. These monarchs were particularly powerful when one of them led the army on campaign. The kings also sat on the council of elders known as the senate (γερουσια). This body consisted of 28, over-60 years of age, males who held the position for life. The γερουσια made the laws, led the citizen assembly, proposing issues on which to vote, and it was also the highest court in Sparta. “Amongst the many changes and alterations which Lycurgus made, the first and of greatest importance was the establishment of the senate, which, having a power equal to the kings’ in matters of great consequence, gave steadiness

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