Summary:
According to C.G. Thomas, "The real political leadership of Sparta rested with the elders and the ephors." This statement accurately describes the Spartan government, as the elders and ephors at times overpowered the Spartan kings.
The statement above, accurately describes the government of Sparta. The Kings, in Sparta, were regarded important, but their authority was somewhat restricted. The common folk class, consisting of the Apella, Perioeki etc. did not really have a say in how Sparta should be governed. Therefore, the ephors and the Gerousia possessed most of the powers exercised in the Spartan community.
The King, in Spartan society, had numerous duties to perform, in areas including military, as he was "Commander-in-Chief" of army; religion, he was "Chief Priest" and law. During campaign, the King had all authority to make decisions (he was Supreme Commander), but ephors accompanied him, who constantly supervised him. If the campaign failed, the King could be punished, based on what the ephors reported. Therefore, the ephors, if they wanted to get rid of a particular.....
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