The History of Sparta's Government

Many political theorists have admired Sparta's government, believing it to confirm the basic principle that the best-guarantiest ability lies in a blend of monarchic, oligarchic, and democratic elements. In reality, however, the oligarchic element considerably outweighed the other two, power laid predominantly within the garosia. As time went by, moreover, the five E4s also gained increasing power over the kings, and frequently took the lead and frame Spartan foreign policy. The Second Messenian War had been a terrifying revelation of the potential risks of the Helot system; the possibility of another revolt haunted the imaginations of the Spartans as they faced an emboldened enemies