How did Lycurgus shape the laws of Sparta?

Translation: quotations from Plutarch are quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands, not his original words.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Lycurgus shaped the laws of Sparta by persuading his citizens to abandon luxury and adopt a life of labor and martial discipline. He succeeded in this through persuasion and the people's love for him, though it was a difficult task. "It was not so much his business to persuade his citizens to put off their armor or ungird their swords, as to cast away their gold or silver, and abandon costly furniture and rich tables..." [1]
• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Lycurgus consulted Apollo at Delphi, gained support from leading men of Sparta, and organized thirty principal men to assist in implementing his laws, which he aimed to reform the whole commonwealth. (key quote above) [2]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch believed that Lycurgus shaped the laws of Sparta to such an extent that, while they were in force, Sparta's aspect was more like a rule of life followed by one wise and temperate man than a political government of a nation. (key quote above) [3]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch believed that Lycurgus shaped the laws of Sparta to ensure the security of the commonwealth by removing money and preventing the influence of foreign customs and luxuries. He argued that Lycurgus allowed certain foreign individuals like Terpander, Thales, and Pherecydes if they aligned with Spartan values. (key quote above) [4]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): The passage shows that Lycurgus shaped the laws of Sparta to instill principles of virtue and good manners in the youth, aiming to provide for the honor and security of the state. It also indicates that under his laws and rules, Sparta became renowned for prudence, valor, and the excellence of its laws for five hundred years. [5]
• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch records that Philopœmen abolished the laws of Lycurgus and forced the Lacedæmonians to live and educate their children in the manner of the Achæans. "he abolished the laws of Lycurgus, and forced them to educate their children, and live after the manner of the Achæans" [6]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Plutarch believed that Lycurgus shaped the laws of Sparta by implementing reforms that included making the whole land common property, clearing debtors of their debts, and examining non-citizens to make the bravest men free Spartans, in order to save the city and defend it from external threats. "the whole land was now their common property; debtors should be cleared of their debts, and examination made of those who were not citizens, that the bravest men might thus be made free Spartans, and give aid in arms to save the city" [7]

What cuts against it

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Lysander, a Spartan general, introduced wealth and luxury into Sparta, undermining Lycurgus's laws and leading to a decline in Spartan virtue. "Lysander promoted this disorder; for, by bringing in rich spoils from the wars... he yet by this means filled his country with avarice and luxury, and subverted the laws and ordinances of Lycurgus" [3]

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Lycurgus used force and fear to implement his reforms, including organizing an armed group to intimidate opposition and compelling the king to support his reforms. "he gave order to thirty of the principal men of Sparta to be ready armed at the market-place by break of day... king Charilaus... took sanctuary in the temple... he quitted his refuge, and himself also entered into the confederacy with them" [2]

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): Some historians and contemporaries, like Florus, argue that Lycurgus excluded certain mathematical concepts from Sparta, such as arithmetical proportion, which they deemed democratic and unsuitable for an oligarchic state. "Lycurgus, I suppose you know, banished out of Sparta all arithmetical proportion, as being democratical and favoring the crowd" [8]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Plutarch records that Lycurgus aimed to reform Sparta by eliminating luxury and debt, and by promoting a life of discipline and virtue. [4]

2. He did this by consulting the oracle at Delphi and gaining support from key figures in Sparta, including the king. [2]

3. Lycurgus implemented his reforms through persuasion and the people's love for him, though it was a difficult task. [1]

4. His laws were so effective that Sparta became renowned for prudence, valor, and the excellence of its laws for five hundred years. [5]

5. However, later actions by figures like Lysander and Philopœmen undermined these laws, showing that they were not permanent. [3] (inference)

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

Extrapolation: Plutarch presents Lycurgus as a reformer who shaped Sparta's laws to eliminate luxury, debt, and foreign influence, promoting a disciplined and virtuous society. His reforms were initially successful and long-lasting, but later actions by others, like Lysander and Philopœmen, undermined them.

Competing readings: One reading emphasizes Lycurgus's success through persuasion and moral authority, while another highlights the use of force and fear to implement his reforms. The record itself supports both readings, as it describes both methods.

Confidence: Moderate. The evidence is drawn from old edited collections and translated texts, and the accounts vary in detail. Some actions, like the use of force, are presented as necessary but not ideal, while others, like persuasion, are portrayed as more virtuous.