Lycurgus
...nd brother died. However, it was not long after that the Queen had a child, and Lycurgus promised that if that child were a boy he would forfeit his throne. A boy was born, and against the Queen’s wishes, Lycurgus crowned the baby as the new King. For this action, the people of Sparta rejoiced and celebrated this loyal measure. Although Lycurgus lost his crown, he did not ever lose his power and influence on the people of Sparta. Lycurgus decided that it would suit the new King best if he wasn’t present. So Lycurgus embarked on a journey to the island of Crete. In Crete, Lycurgus encountered a famous poet and musician, named Thales. Thales was a stable, sober, and a serious man. Lycurgus was then able to persuade Thales to go to Sparta and bring his music to inspire the people of Sparta to be happy and to act as brothers. Lycurgus then traveled to Crete’s pleasure-loving state of Ionia. In Ionia, Lycurgus discovered the writings of Homer, compiled the pieces and thought the lessons and morality of the great poet. In Crete Lycurgus was able to experience two very different societies and incorporated some influence of both into the Spartan culture. Lycurgus would soon return to Sparta, where people begged for his return, and many still witnessed him as their King. In Sparta, Lycurgus decided to improve the laws rather than to change them. However before his new laws took effect, Lycurgus took a spiritual visit to the oracle, where he was told that Sparta was to be one of the most famous cities in the world. Under Lycurgus, Sparta kept improving as a state. After the development of the Senate, Lycurgus tried to balance the society on economic lines. Many people were poor and unhappy in Sparta, and Lycurgus miraculously was able to divide the land and discredited money without any resistance. The people of Sparta were now judged on man’s merit as his worth. Lycurgus continued the economic improvements and actually banned money. Gold and silver was banned, and worthless iron became the currency. However this was a genius idea. The robbery rate instantaneously dropped in Sparta, although imports stopped too. His next step was to banish useless occupations. For example, fortune-tellers and prostitutes were no longer accepted. Larceny also disappeared, and this ended the rich to poor relation for the rich had nothing to prove their wealth. Lycurgus continued to establish an equal society. Sparta set up cafeterias where all men had to bring a fair share of food. Everyone would dine together, even the King’s of Sparta. The Spartan’s would also send their children to these gatherings, for it was opportunity to learn how to talk politely and convincingly. People who wished to be accepted to these little societies however, required the approval of every single member at the table. Under Lycurgus’ influence, Sparta developed a rigorous upbringing of the state’s children. Girls would be required to exercise, for they would need to become the mothers of Sparta. In this society, girls would be shamed for being weak or fat. Girls were even forced to dance in the nude to gain courage, or rather be ridiculed if their bodies were not in shape. It was true too that a relationship had to be secret until the age of thirty, where couples were then allowed to live in the same home. Like the girls, boys too encountered a rigorous routine in their childhoods. At seven years of age, boys were required to live under military discipline. The boys learned how to become leaders, and were taught how to read and write. However, the greatest emphasize on a boy’s life was his commitment to Sparta, especially in military endeavors. At age twelve boys were trained to battle. It was not until the age of eighteen and the slaughter of a slave that a boy was viewed as a man. Once a man, the citizens were trained to speak convincingly with short facts rather than long worthless statements. Lycurgus set up many standards and guidelines for the developing city-state of Sparta. Early before the training of a child, babies too were examined by the counsel. Lycurgus insisted that the babies of Sparta were the leaders of tomorrow; therefore a baby cannot cry or appear weak. Spartan babies were to become strong and courageous, and those who were not, were to be disposed of. Lycurgus’ travels were very beneficial to the Spartan society. Lycurgus greatly influenced music as a source of motivation and pleasure. Music played a role in educating chi...