Agoge - Name given to the Spartan education system. The agoge began at 7 yrs, when the young boy moved out of the home and into barrack style quarters. The boys lived in these quarters until they were 30 yrs old. The agoge was designed to prepare the boys for military training, it was very competitive and very difficult. They were not allowed shoes and received only one garment to wear, even in the winter! They were given very little food and expected to steal extra food as a sign of their bravery and warlike skill. Poetry, singing and dancing was also an important part of their education as it instilled a sense of patriotism.
Apella - The Spartan assembly. All Homoioi over the age of 30 were allowed to attend. They meet once a month to vote of proposals of the Ephors. Voting was done by acclamation, that is, yelling out loud. Whatever got the loudest cheer was considered the chosen answer.
Ephors - The Ephors were one of the most powerful elements of the Spartan constitution. All together there were 5 ephors, who were elected every year. They were in control of the agoge, controlled all the judges, dealt with foreign embassies, controlled Generals on the field and controlled the Krypteria. The Ephors were also in charge of the assemblies and could over rule the decision of the Apella and the Gerousia. Once the year was over the Ephors lost their position and were accountable to the people. If decisions they made were unpopular with the people they would have to explain their actions to the Apella, and could face punishment if they could not justify their actions appropriately.
Gerousia - A body of elders within the Spartan government. There were 30 members of the Gerousia; the 2 kings and 28 men elected for life by the Apella. To be eligible to be a member a Homoioi had to be over the age of 60, it is believed that the body was created to encourage a respect for elders within the Spartan community. The Gerousia held little power, they were judges in criminal trials and over saw the sittings of the Apella, their real power was in the respect and influence they wielded.
Helots - Land bound slaves who provided food and produce for the Homoioi. To find out more about the Helots go to the Helots Page.
Homoioi - Elite ruling class of Sparta. Men and women alike who were considered citizens of Sparta. Also referred to as 'Spartiates,' 'Peers' or 'Equals.' To find out more about the Homoioi go to the Homoioi Page.
Hoplites - Middle class soldiers who wore body armour and fought heavily armed. Hoplites fought on foot in a military formation called the phalanx (mass group of hoplites moving forward in a set pattern). New form of warfare, hoplite warfare had replaced the traditional aristocratic hand to hand fighting.
Inferiors - Spartan social class who were neither slaves nor citizens. To find out more about the Inferiors go to the Inferiors Page. For a brief summary, see below. Inferiors were loosely divided into four main groupings -
Kleros - Portion of land granted to each Homoioi as a means of survival in non war periods. Every kleros was worked by a team of Helots who farmed the land for their Spartan 'master.'
Lacedaemonians - The inhabitants of the territory belonging to the Spartan state, the valley of the Eurotas River in central Peloponnese and other conquered territory (Messenia). `Lacedaemonian' sometimes means any inhabitant, but sometimes is also used loosely to mean `real' Spartan full citizens; Homoioi. A Homoioi IS a Lacedaemonian, but not every Lacedaemonian is a Homoioi.
Laconia (or Lakonia) - Territory belonging to Sparta. Technically it is the name of the state in which the city of Sparta is located, however due to the dominance of the city of Sparta we come to recognise the area of Laconia as Sparta. Click here to go to map of Laconia.
Lycurgus - Spartan lawmaker accredited for creating the Spartan constitution, education system and way of life. It is unknown whether Lycurgus ever actually existed or whether he was a creation of Spartan myth making. Nevertheless he is an important figure in the creation of Sparta.
Messenia - Neighbouring city-state of Sparta. Messenia was taken over by the Spartans around 620-640 BC. Messeina had large, fertile plains which the Spartans sought to feed and house their growing population. The inhabitants of Messenia were enslaved and came to be known as Helots. Click here to go to map of Messenia.
Peloponnese - Semi-detctched island off the north of mainland Greece. The Peloponnese housed seven city-states including Sparta (Laconia), Argos (Argolis) and Messenia. Click here to go to map of Peloponnese.
Peloponnesian League - League formed under the hegemony (leadership) of Sparta. The league was designed as a defensive structure should war erupt. It provided security for Sparta and established the Peloponnese as a strong military force. Members included Sparta (and therefore Messenia), Elis, Achaea and Corinth.
Perioeci - 'Those dwelling round about.' Natives of Lacedaemonia who did not have full citizen rights. They were not subject to the laws or education of the Homoioi. Lived in their own communities providing weapons and other commercial products for the Homoioi. To find out more about the Perioeci go to the Perioeci Page.
Syssitia - Public meals held in a large open space. Attendance was compulsory everyday for the Homoioi and membership of one was a prerequisite for citizenship. Each Homoioi was bound to make a monthly contribution of grain, fruit and wine from his Kleros. Designed to allow young Homoioi to learn the Spartan myths and control indecent language, misconduct and drunkenness.