Lycurgus

Also known as: the Lacedaemonian · Family: Sparta · Role: lawgiver · First appears: Lycurgus

Lycurgus, the Lacedaemonian lawgiver of Sparta, was variously described as the son of Eunomus and Dionassa, brother of Polydectes, and, by Simonides, the son of Prytanis. He left an only son, Antiorus. As guardian of his nephew Charilaus, he exercised the regal jurisdiction; during this time, the queen proposed that he destroy the infant in return for marrying her when Charilaus became king. Lycurgus later voluntarily resigned his kingdom and returned to private life, “the other from the condition of a prince voluntarily descended to the state of privacy.”

In shaping his laws, Lycurgus relied especially on Arthmiadas and persuaded Thales to come to Lacedaemon through assurances of friendship. He was associated with Iphitus in establishing the Olympic truce, while Alcander, who had been his enemy, became one of his admirers after striking him and putting out one of his eyes; Lycurgus later bade him serve at table. He debated with Leonidas, headed the Plain against Solon’s rival factions, and his example was admired by Aristides and taken as a model by Plato, Diogenes, and Zeno. His legislation endured for more than five hundred years through discipline and education, while comparisons linked his aims of frugality and moderation with those of Numa, and attributed the laws to the authority of Apollo.

Relationship record

Life events

• Lycurgus voluntarily resigned his kingdom and returned to private life.(Comparison of Numa with Lycurgus · 📍 Sparta)
  • “the other from the condition of a prince voluntarily descended to the state of privacy.”
• Lycurgus’s legislation endured for more than five hundred years through discipline and education.(Comparison of Numa with Lycurgus · 📍 Sparta)
  • “The result was that the main points and fundamentals of his legislation continued for above five hundred years, like some deep and thoroughly ingrained tincture, retaining their hold upon the nation.”