Aristotle: Constitution of Sparta

( ca. 335-323 BCE ) Commentary by Scott Cashion, University of Arkansas

“In the governments of Lacedaemon and Crete, and indeed in all governments, two points have to be considered: first, whether any particular law is good or bad, when compared with the perfect state; secondly, whether it is or is not consistent with the idea and character which the lawgiver has set before his citizens.” - Paragraph 1
“Again, the license of the Lacedaemonian women defeats the intention of the Spartan constitution, and is adverse to the happiness of the state.” - Paragraph 2
“The mention of avarice naturally suggests a criticism on the inequality of property. While some of the Spartan citizen[s] have quite small properties, others have very large ones; hence the land has passed into the hands of a few. And this is due also to faulty laws.” - Paragraph 3
“The Lacedaemonian constitution is defective in another point; I mean the Ephoralty. This magistracy has authority in the highest matters, but the Ephors are chosen from the whole people, and so the office is apt to fall into the hands of very poor men, who, being badly off, are open to bribes. There have been many examples at Sparta of this evil in former times.” - Paragraph 4

Terra-cotta cup with image of hoplite (Yale University Art Gallery)

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