Question: "The real political leadership of Sparta rested with the elders and the ephors"(C.G.Thomas) To what extent is this an accurate assessment of the government of Sparta?

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When examining ancient and modern evidence on Sparta, its political leadership could be perceived to be in the control of the elders, the dual kingship and the ephors alone. However, for one to agree with C.G.Thomas and confirm the accuracy of the above statement, the political significance of the apella and the democratic system in ancient Sparta would have to be ignored. <Tab/><Tab/>Herodotus …

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…mystified both ancient and modern scholars." Thus, due to bias and lack of complimentary evidence, C.G.Thomas' statement cannot be seen to be completely correct, yet there is some evidence which agrees with his assessment of the government of ancient Sparta. This can be seen by the above primary and secondary sources, which both, contradict and compliment C.G.Thomas' statement," The real political leadership of Sparta rested with the elders and the ephors."