Ephors meaning

Ephors were high-ranking officials in ancient Sparta charged with overseeing the kings and advising the Spartan assembly.


Ephors definitions

Word backwards srohpe
Part of speech Noun.
Syllabic division e-phors
Plural The plural of the word "ephors" is "ephoroi" or "ephors."
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) e,o
Consonants (4) p,h,r,s

The ephors were a group of five magistrates in ancient Sparta responsible for overseeing the actions of the two kings and enforcing the laws of the land. They were elected annually and held significant power within the Spartan government.

Role of Ephors

The ephors had the authority to veto the kings' decisions, declare war, and even depose a king if they believed he was acting against the interests of the state. They also presided over the Spartan assembly and acted as judges in certain legal matters.

Selection Process

Each year, the ephors were elected by popular vote from a pool of eligible Spartan citizens. Candidates had to be at least 30 years old and of pure Spartan descent. This process ensured that the ephors were representative of the Spartan population and not swayed by outside influences.

Responsibilities

One of the main responsibilities of the ephors was to ensure the stability and security of the state. They were tasked with maintaining social order, overseeing the education of young Spartans, and managing the finances of the government. They also played a role in foreign policy and diplomatic affairs.

Overall, the ephors were essential in maintaining the balance of power within the Spartan government and ensuring that the laws and customs of the land were upheld. Their unique position as overseers of the kings gave them a significant influence on the direction of Spartan society.


Ephors Examples

  1. In ancient Sparta, the ephors were five elected officials who oversaw the actions of the two kings.
  2. The ephors had the power to declare war on behalf of Sparta.
  3. One of the responsibilities of the ephors was to supervise the educational system in Sparta.
  4. The ephors had the authority to arrest and put on trial any Spartan king they deemed to be acting against the interests of the state.
  5. The ephors were responsible for the religious and moral health of the Spartan citizens.
  6. Each year, the ephors were elected from a pool of eligible Spartan men.
  7. The ephors played a crucial role in the governance of Sparta and ensuring the stability of the state.
  8. The ephors had the power to veto decisions made by the Spartan kings.
  9. The ephors were instrumental in maintaining the strict discipline and order of Spartan society.
  10. The ephors were considered to be the voice of the people in Sparta.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 12/07/2024 - 00:58:57