This was the condition of Athens at the time when King Croesus of Lydia sought information about the Greek states. Athens was under the firm control of Pisistratus. Many citizens had been killed in battle, while others had fled into exile. The city was calm on the surface, but its peace was based on fear and strict control rather than true freedom. Croesus carefully considered these facts as he decided which Greek power might be a suitable ally.
After learning about Athens, Croesus turned his attention to another major Greek state: Sparta, also known as Lacedaemon. He wanted to understand its strength, history, and political condition before making any alliances Guided Ephesus Tours.
Early Struggles of the Spartans
Croesus discovered that the Spartans had not always been strong or successful. In earlier times, they had gone through a period of serious weakness and poor leadership. During the joint rule of King Leo and King Agasicles, Sparta had been defeated many times by the people of Tegea. Although the Spartans were victorious in most of their other wars, they could not overcome the Tegeans and suffered repeated losses against them.
Even before this period, the Spartans had been among the worst governed people in Greece. Their internal affairs were poorly managed, and they had little contact with foreign nations. They avoided relations with outsiders and lacked a clear system of laws and discipline. This poor organization limited their strength and influence.
The Role of Lycurgus
The turning point in Spartan history came with the actions of Lycurgus, a respected and influential Spartan leader. Seeking guidance, Lycurgus traveled to Delphi to consult the oracle of Apollo. As soon as he entered the sacred inner temple, the priestess, known as the Pythoness, cried out in praise of him. She spoke words that suggested Lycurgus might be more than a mere man and hinted at his future greatness The Situation in Athens When Croesus Inquired.
Some traditions say that the oracle gave Lycurgus the complete set of laws that later shaped Spartan society. These laws, known as the Spartan constitution, were followed for many generations and became famous throughout Greece.
Laws Brought from Crete
However, the Spartans themselves told a slightly different story. According to them, Lycurgus did not receive the laws directly from the oracle. Instead, he brought them from the island of Crete. At that time, Lycurgus was acting as guardian to his nephew, Labotas, who was king of Sparta but still too young to rule. As regent, Lycurgus had full authority.
Using this power, he replaced the old customs with new ones. He made sure these rules were strictly followed by everyone in the city. His reforms changed Spartan life completely.
Military and Political Reforms
Lycurgus also reorganized Sparta’s military and political systems. He introduced new military units, including the Enomotiae and Triacades, which improved discipline and coordination among soldiers. He also created common meals called Syssitia, where citizens ate together to promote equality and unity.
In addition, Lycurgus established the Spartan Senate, known as the Gerousia, and created the office of the ephors. These institutions balanced power and ensured strong governance.
A Well-Governed State
Through these reforms, Sparta transformed from a weak and poorly governed city into one of the most disciplined and well-ordered states in Greece. This strong system of laws and institutions made the Spartans powerful on land and respected by other Greek states. This was the Sparta that Croesus came to know when he considered forming an alliance.
