The Religious Factor in the Politics of the Spartan Kings

The purpose of this work is to show how exactly the Spartan kings used religious factor in their politics. author pays special attention cases interaction between and Delphic priests, analyses results these relations. families very early established close contacts with Delphi. It was already Lycurgus, who most likely belonged Agiads, so priests that he able obtain from them a full approval his legislative reforms. points out Agiads were more influential Delphi than Euripontides. can be explained by fact representatives as an older royal family, acquired friends pass down relations descendants. concludes had great authority Delphi, especially 5th century BC. They managed carry series radical political actions help one case depriving undesirable co-ruler power, other — restoring exiled king throne, third reputation illegally repressed executed member family. shows controversial cases, rule, supported defending interests. illegal methods which acted suggest rulers differed greatly mentality fellow citizens.