Significance of Lycurgus in History

Discuss the significance of Lycurgus reforms to Spartan Society Lycurgus, who gave them the laws that they comply with, and to which they owe their prosperity, I do relate to with wonder and believe that he reached the utmost limit of wisdom. For it was not by imitating other states, however by developing a system entirely different from that of most others, that he made his nation pre-eminently thriving. Xenophon. Lycurgus' credibility among modern historians remains debated, ancient historic accounts on Lycurgus primarily happened well after what is thought about to be the time in history that he resided in.

Plutarch an Ancient Historian claims that Lycurgus was indeed a real human being that was given the Great Rhetra by a Delphic Oracle. Plutarch however blogged about Lycurgus in the 75AD couple of hundreds of years after Lycurgus' life. Xenophon a Greek historian from 4th century BC thought that Spartans developed the guy Lycurgus and attributed changes in addition to Excellent Rhetra to him.

Get quality help now

Doctor Jennifer

Verified writer

Proficient in: History

5 (893)

“ Thank you so much for accepting my assignment the night before it was due. I look forward to working with you moving forward ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Lycurgus was said to be come down from Hercules himself, the 2nd prince in among the 2 royal families in Sparta. Upon the death of his father and older brother, Lycurgus nurtured the follower towards the throne.

Due to rumours that incriminated him suggesting that he would attempt to kill his nephew to gain control and power Lurcurgus left swearing just to return when his nephew bore an heir. Traveling to Crete, he thoroughly studied the types of government within this island and modified different principles to what he thought to be beneficial for Sparta.

He also took a trip to Ionia, to study the distinction in between the Ionians and the Cretans. The Egyptians claim that Lycurgus adopted the idea of separating military and menial workers.

Sparta begged for the return of their hero, claiming that only he might be a true king. Royalty itself saw Lycurgus as security for their individuals. He had actually decided that fundamental changes require to be made in Sparta. Prior to returning, he spoke with the oracle of Delphi who informed him that he was "precious of the gods, and rather god than male, and said that the god had actually approved his prayer for excellent laws, and promised him a constitution which should be the best worldwide." Lycurgus started to enforce laws, standards and morals that formed the great Sparta as we understand it.

Lycurgus began by removing what he viewed as inequality from Spartan society. Ownership of personal property as well as real property between different classes was the root of inequality. His solution to this problem was the ban of silver and gold he soon realized that it would be too difficult to proceed openly. Therefore, he took an indirect approach. His solution was to ban ownership of any gold or silver, and to allow only money made of iron. The iron coins of Sparta were dipped in vinegar to make the metal brittle and worthless.

Merchants refused to accept this money because it had no intrinsic value, so imports into Sparta slowed. “He persuaded his fellow-citizens to make one parcel of all their poverty and wealth and divide it up anew, and to live with one another on a basis of entire uniformity and equality. ” Lurcugus distributed the rest of the Laconian land among the “perioeci”(free provincials). He strove to divide up their property so that unevenness and inequality may be removed. Another important innovate change Lycurgus brought to Sparta, was his institution of senate (council of elders. Lycurgus was so eager to establish a stable fair form of government that he obtained an oracle from Delphi, which they called the “rhetra”. This controlled the "feverish" government of the kings providing Spartans with the opportunity for an equal vote in matters of high importance this provided safety and due moderation into counsels of state. Before this establishment of the “Ephorate”, threats of civil wars and tyranny were looming upon the horizon. Majority of art forms were also banished, this however was no a loss due to their new currency and lack or import or exports.

However the “artisans were now freed from useless tasks” and instead focused their artistic works in common and necessary utensils such as bedsteads, chairs, and tables where of an amazing repute. With the removal of luxury, wealth and finer arts Lucurgus’ introduced another political device, the institution of the common messes. Meals had to be eaten together at public mess halls, money could not purchase fancy foods, the rich could no longer show off dainty foods and fancy homes. The public mess-halls were divided with tables of fifteen men, it was expected of each individual to bring a quota of food and wine every month.

Children would be sent to these tables to learn of wisdom. They would listen to men speak of business of state and other matters. Lycurgus took great care towards the future generations of Sparta, education began at a young age. Girls were expected to run and exercise so that their children would grow to be strong and healthy like their mother. They were taught to display their beauty to an appreciative audience. In their songs, the girls praised the men who were brave and strong and made fun of the men who shied away from bravery and were considered shameful. We are the only women who raise men. ” At the age of seven, Spartan boys left home to begin their military life. The main subject taught was obedience, they were taught enough reading and writing to become literate, but fighting skills were considered to be of more value. Lycurgus did not create a state to conquer and rule other cities. Instead he formed what turned to become the strongest most famous city of Greece. Lucurgus believed in the equality and happiness of his nation, his laws presented Spartans with a strong military, free-minded state.

Despite Lycurgus being a controversial historical figure, although debate has been constantly brought to light, to whether on not he actually existed. Modern historians argue that Spartan society evolved through a natural process. Changes probably made after the conquest of Messenia when farmland was redistributed. Despite modern debating whether or not Lurcugus fictional or non fictional character his influence upon Spartan society is groundbreaking. Credited for the development of one of the most complex government systems within ancient society. Lucurgus remains after his death an influential individual during ancient and modern times.