The Spartan state was governed by a constitutional system called ‘Eumonia’, which translates to ‘good laws’ or ‘good governance’. Many historians, including ancient Athenian historian, Xenophon, ancient Greek historian Polybius and early 20th Century CE German historian Victor Ehrenberg, praised the Spartans for having a mixed constitution of the ‘three main forms – monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, respectively by Kings, Gerousia and Ekklesia with the Ephors,’ (Ehrenberg). All four roles of government have their respective roles, interactions with each other and individual importance, but when combined together, their collective significance can be found through the seemingly equal balance and distribution of power amongst various social classes and authority styles.
The chief commanders and executives of
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These men had a variety of roles and responsibilities, one of the most important being ‘upholding monarchy as long as the kings kept their oath [of ‘reigning according to the laws’]’ (and ensuring the kings indeed acted lawfully). This was maintained through a ‘monthly exchange of oaths,’ according to Xenophon and explained by Ehrenberg.
Ephors were also involved in foreign policy, meeting foreign envoys, banishing foreigners and had control over the krypteia (secret police). They were responsible for the agoge (training and education system), decided which units to send to war, controlled other magistrates and were involved in most civil and criminal cases. The Ephorate also called meetings of, and presided over the Gerousia and Ekklesia.
Ephors held more power than the kings (Aristotle) and had the ability to ‘exercise authority as they liked’ (Xenophon). Ephors were ultimately responsible for reforming and maintaining the social structure, which supports their significant contribution to and authority over the Spartan