Why was there two Spartan kings?
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Why was there two Spartan kings?
Sparta was an oligarchy. The state was ruled by two hereditary kings of the Agiad and Eurypontid families, both supposedly descendants of Heracles and equal in authority, so that one could not act against the power and political enactments of his colleague.
How were the kings of Sparta chosen?
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). The elders were elected by the Assembly from among the oldest Spartan champions.
Did Spartan kings fight in battle?
The kings and the hippeis The two kings would typically lead the full army in battles. Initially, both would go on campaign at the same time, but after the 6th century BC, only one would do so, with the other remaining in Sparta.
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).
Who were the rulers of Sparta?
The ancient Greek city of Sparta was ruled by two kings, one from each of the two founding families, Agaidai and Eurypontidae. Spartan kings inherited their roles, a job filled by the leader of each family.
What government did Sparta use?
In Ancient Sparta they had an oligarchy form of government in which the state was ruled by a small group of citizens who also controlled the military. The political system of ancient Athens was a democracy, which involved all of its citizens by giving them daily access to civic affairs and political power.
What type of government did ancient Sparta have?
Sparta had what is known as a diarchical monarchy. The government’s complete makeup consisted of dual kings; a council of about 30 gerontes or gerousia, which are rich elders; the ephors , a small council of five people and an assembly, called the Appella or Demos, of the common people who gathered once a month.