The Greek Polis: Athens and Sparta

The term Polis evolved over time, they were the nucleus (central area) that controlled the surrounding communities. Over time it meant the Polis controlled the surrounding city states. The origins are not clearly known.

Sparta

Today we are gathered here at the Apella to convey news of the plans going forward to a future of greatness. That greatness only comes from within and shall not be bottled up inside of us. As we all know that our fair city of Sparta has been spoiled by an earthquake (464 B.C.) and we shall toil day in and day out to try bringing it back better than before. I am certain at least 150 families left standing here before me will leave and take up quarters in Sosia, with that being the case, those of you who shall journey onward will be ushered into this polis by none other than Leogoras who himself is from a prominent family and has the knowledge of this area. He has already spoken with the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Consulting at this much sacred sanctuary is necessary in your movement to your new location.

In the days coming Sparta, life shall be somewhat different, of that in Athens the focus here will be combat and war, the young men here will be soldiers and train as such. I will recommend that these boys (that will someday be men) be freed from household and industry duties and focus on the military. They will train to be warriors and the young ladies be trained to be warriors’ mothers. Sparta will be ruled by two kings who will rule until they expire, or they are forced out of office.

There is the polis of Epikephisia (which is to our North) maybe hostile and unsettled, nevertheless, we shall use the Helots as our infantry and guiding force on our pilgrimage into Sosia, to ensure that those who have already suffered enough, shall not be harmed by opposing forces.

The Day of Exodus

“Fellow Sosians, I, Leogoras, having studied the constitutions of Athens during the time of Solon and Cleisthenes, as well as that of Sparta, speak to you today about the executive and citizen assembly components which I have chosen for Sosia.” We shall rebuild beginning with

Athens

My early Athenian (Athens) government shall consist of 12 archons (one who administers the law) that ruled for life. Later it shall be broken down into 9 archons. The rulers shall delegate the duties down to different section leaders, they are as follows: Basileus Archons will be in charge of ritual and religious functions, that will include a vast majority of personnel from the Draconites, the Eponymous Archon will be the chief magistrate, the Polemarchos Archon will head the Army, there will be 6 Thesmothetes who shall assist the chief archons plus they will have judicial duties, and the Council of the Areopagus will consist of the council of ex-archons this does include the Assembly.

The life in Athens meant that you must be raised to be creative, you could get an education, and pursue arts and sciences. If you are a young man you will have the opportunity to join the Army or the Navy, but it is not a necessity. The Army or Navy does not apply to the female persuasion.  

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