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Books about Lycurgus :
Greek Orators : Lycurgus/Greek (Classical Texts)
Minor Attic Orators : Lycurgus/Dinarchus/Demades/Hyperides
The legendary lawgiver of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was Lycurgus. Nothing is known of him except
the traditions that have been handed down about him. Supposedly he lived in the 9th century BC, though many scholars
doubt he ever lived at all. The Spartans said that he gave them their laws and institutions. He is credited with
having organized Sparta as a nation of soldiers, who lived and ate together (see Sparta).
Lycurgus created a Council of Elders, gave Spartans their system of education, and instituted a system of iron
coinage instead of gold. The laws of Lycurgus, whatever their origin, resulted in Sparta's becoming one of the
major military powers in ancient Greece.
After his fellow citizens promised they would obey his laws and not change them until he returned, Lycurgus left
Sparta to travel abroad. He had heard from an oracle that the Spartans would prosper as long as they kept their
vow. To ensure their good fortune, he decided never to return to the city. His story has been well told by Plutarch
in his 'Lives'.
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