Lycurgus - the maker of Sparta

Sparta's discipline and military excellence are well known throughout the world. But the values that have come to be closely associated with the Spartans originated in the laws and constitution attributed to Lycurgus, the founder of the famous Spartan lifestyle. So little is known about him that he may be a legendary figure more than a historical one. However, ancient historians such as Plutarch or Xenophon have investigated lineages and time periods in which to place him.

Lycurgus emerged in a time of chaos and disorder in Sparta. His elder brother who was king, had died and left behind a pregnant wife. Lycurgus acted as king but was ready to serve as a guardian for the rightful heir, should he be a male. But his brother's wife secretly sent him messages that she would abort the baby if he married her. He pretended to accept this plan, but told her that rather than risk an abortion, she should just give birth normally and he would dispose of the child. But when the time came, he sent guards and observers to witness the birth and bring him the child, if it was a boy. And so, when the baby boy was born, Lycurgus presented him to the other citizens as their king, and they named him Charilaus.

The family of the widow sought revenge against Lycurgus, by spreading lies that he wished to steal his nephew's throne. Although the people were devoted to him because of his conduct and high morals, he decided that in order to be clear of any suspicion, he would leave the city until his nephew grew to adulthood and had a son of his own.

Reforms

In his travels, he went to Crete, studying the laws and government there and making note of what was positive in them, so that later they would be adopted into Sparta. Then he went to Asia to compare the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle found in Ionia with the frugal one he had seen in Crete. When the Spartans summoned him back, missing his leadership and guidance, he stated his intention of changing the existing laws with new ones that would improve the order and virtue of the citizens. So he went to the oracle of Delphi and returned with the answer that his constitution would indeed be the most excellent of all. And so, his reforms began. He instituted the 28 Elders in a sort of middle position between the kings and the people, so that neither side would have absolute power. When an Elder died, he was replaced by a man over 60 who was considered the wisest and most excellent of the candidates. The election occurred by having the candidates walk in the assembly in a predetermined order, and shouting to show approval. Nearby, some chosen arbiters were locked in a building where they could only hear the outside, and recorded who had the most and loudest shouting in the order of appearance. The winner was praised and honored by the rest, and offered a meal as a sign of respect. Only inside his mess he was treated as usual, with the exception that he received a second meal, which he then offered to the woman among his female relatives that he esteemed the most, and she was then congratulated by the other women.

He also convinced the citizens to redistribute the land between themselves, so everyone would have an equal share of property, and competition would be in merit, instead of wealth.

One of the most important changes he effected, in order to eliminate greed, was to ban gold and silver currency, replacing it with massive iron coins too heavy and large to be hoarded and with no additional value. Thus luxury was eliminated, because no foreign merchandise or crafts would be exchanged for the unwanted currency that had no value outside Sparta. Further, he sought to eliminate all extravagance and immoderate consumption of food and drink, by creating the system of common messes, where all citizens would gather and eat the same frugal meals. Each member had to contribute a share to the mess every month.

To protect Sparta from negative influences and bad practices, Lycurgus banned foreigners from entering the city and restricted Spartans from travelling abroad. These measures were meant to avoid the exposure to the vices that affected the outside world, such as greed, luxury, self-indulgence or laziness.

Lycurgus was a living embodiment of the values he wanted to instill in Sparta. He led an austere life, was always engaged in some work to develop his character or the betterment of Sparta, and showed compassion even to those who wronged him. There is a story about some disgruntled citizens who attacked him because his laws would eliminate all the advantages of the wealthy. Among them, a youth who struck him in the eye with a stick and blinded him. Instead of running, Lycurgus stood his ground, causing them to feel ashamed of their actions, and so, they gave him the youth, called Alcander, for punishment. But Lycurgus instead took him as his servant, and turned him into a lawful and responsible man.

After establishing his laws and constitution, Lycurgus gathered the assembly and told them that he will consult the oracle at Delphi and inquire if the gods approve of his laws. The Spartans were happy to hear that and encouraged him to go at once, but he first had them swear they will abide by his laws without exception until he returns from Delphi. Having their oath, he went to the oracle and received the answer that his laws are excellent, and Sparta will benefit greatly by adhering to them. He had the message written down and went to Sparta, but decided that he will not return there, so the Spartans would remain under the oath they swore to him. So he chose to commit suicide by starving himself to death, and ensure that his constitution will remain unchanged and endure in the future. He requested that his body would be burnt and his ashes scattered in the sea, so that his remains couldn't be returned to Sparta, and thus release it from the oath of obeying his constitution.

Source(s): On Sparta (Penguin Classics)