Ephors Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the duration of the Ephors’ term in power?
One year
After one year, Ephors are vulnerable to anyone they annoyed, such as the Kings.
Who created the ephorate according to Xenophon?
Lykourgos
When was the ephorate first appointed according to Paul Cartledge?
720-650 BC
[The Spartans an epic history]
What action did Sthenelaides take as ephor regarding Athens? [Thuc]
Had the Apella vote on whether Athens had broken the peace treaty
This is recorded by Thucydides in the History of the Peloponnesian War.
What do Ephors and Kings do each month? [Xen]
Swap oaths
Ephors agree not to take the kings’ privileges as long as the kings abide by their oath.
What does Plutarch say on the impact of the Ephorate on the constitution?
“Far from weakening the constitution, the creation of the ephorate strengthened it because it seemed like a democratic measure, but actually made the aristocracy more secure”
What powers do Ephors have regarding punishments?
“Ephors have the right to inflict punishments at will”
They can require immediate payment of fines and depose magistrates during their term of office.
What is one of the roles of Ephors in military matters? [Xen]
“Proclaim the age-groups to be called up”
This responsibility is noted in Xenophon’s Lac. Pol.
What does Aristotle say on the nature of the Ephors?
“ephors come from the whole population” and they “can be bought as a result of their poverty”
According to Aristotle, what role do Ephors play in the constitution?
“holds the constitution together, since the people keep quiet through sharing the supreme power”
According to Xen what do Ephors do in regards to campaigns?
Ephors go on campaign to ensure everyone behaves properly, especially the king
