Lycurgus_Reforms

Lycurgus Reforms Lycurgus introduced a significant set of reforms that utterly changed Spartan society. This transformation was through the introduction of a number of military, religious, social and economic reforms during the 8th or 7th century BC. Lycurgus’ significance is reflected in the great change in Spartan society, being labeled as revolutionary by many ancient and modern sources. The Pre-Lycurgan period was characterized by the fertility of the area which the Dorians begun to control. 250 years later, between 730/10-650BC the Spartan elite conquered and enslaved the occupants of this area. This is described by Tyrtaeus. Notably, this conquest forced the Spartans to reorganize themselves in accordance with the helot threat (as they constituted for 80% of the population). As a result of this serious and unique issue, reforms that were equally extreme needed to be endorsed. Buckley nominates two key reasons why the Lycurgan reforms were formulated. Firstly, there was a need for the resolution of international problems, and secondly, harmony was required between politics to unify against the external threat. This highlights the importance of a fulltime military force in the development of these reforms. Whether Lycurgus was an actual man, or a group who developed the reforms is subject to scholarly debate. Nevertheless, the Lycurgus reforms were introduced in the form of the Great Rhetra. There is dispute over when the Great Rhetra was introduced. Some, like Tyrtaeus note it was introduced after either the Messenian Wars, or Peloponnesian battle against the Argives. Derived from the Oracle of Delphi, the constitutions of Sparta were reshaped. The overall purpose of the Lycurgan reforms was for the Spartan ethos to be based on militarism and the concept of Eunomia (balance in governance). In responded to previous problems, the desire for good governance and a stable military basis were potent. Consequently, there was a focus on political and military aspects. Firstly, the reforms had political significance. Sparta was “Free from Tyrants” [Thucydides] by alleviating monarchy in 650BC [Buckley]. Instead, the government was changed to encompass diarchic and democratic elements in an oligarchic society. As Aristotle believed this created the “perfect blend of a mixed constitution as it had elements of democracy, oligarchy and monarchy”. Split into four main departments of the Gerousia, Ephorate, Ekklesia and Kings, the interdependence between these key groups created Eunomia. Thucydides reinforces this statement by claiming Sparta “acquired good order earlier than any other state” through developed Eunomia. These political reforms were complemented by two major reforms of the military. Firstly, the creation of the permanent fighting for of elite and dedicated warriors was developed to quell the potential threat of helots and external forces. Lycurgus introduced forms of education to develop this successfully, however this was “Not just an education system but is pivotal as it reorganizes the state as militarist through teachings” [Buckley]. In the form of the Agoge for males, boys from the age of seven were subdued to intense military training to instill physical prowess and loyalty to the state. Girls were also subject to an education, which emphasized elements of competition and strength building. This was for “The fruit they conceived might take firmer root and find better growth” [Plutarch]. Economic, social and religious reforms also had a significant effect on the Spartan state. Namely, the social and economic reforms were (supposedly) based on equality to reinforce ‘Homoioi’. Economically, roles at all levels of society shifted making it arguably the “most revolutionary reform” [Plutarch]. This was in response to the absence of Spartan boys and men. Land redistribution and helots bound to that land, was the basis of the economy. This kleros was supposedly distributed equally, as “citizens pool all land and then redistribute it afresh” [Plutarch]. However it is expected that “there was never a redistribution of land… consistent with unequal wealth… leading to 4th century decline and unrest” [Hodkinson]. As a result, Sparta society “expel[ed] arrogance, envy, crime, luxury… wealth and poverty” [Plutarch], and rather focused on developed militaristically. Socially, women became highly regarded, as their voice and judgment was acknowledged. It was stated by Plutarch “Lycurgus took particular care about the women”. This had such an impact that Aristotle claimed that Sparta had become a “Gynocratia” due to their eventual ownership of two fifths of the land [as recorded by Aristotle]. Important religious reforms were also enacted, including the compulsory participation of certain citizens in festivals and funerary customs of kings. With political, military, economic, social and religious change legislated by the Great Rhetra, the Lycurgan reforms reorganization Spartan society. These reforms, largely in response to the “Apprehensive… unrest among helots” [Thucydides] had an ongoing effect on Spartan society which saw this period being regarded historically as one “When men were honoring their gods, training for war, and learning to be obedient, was not everything there bound to inspire cheerful hopes” [Xenophon].