07-30-2007, 10:09 PM
If Sparta or Athens had been as liberal with their citizenship as Rome had been, then things might have been different. But as it was, Sparta was extremely xenophobic and only expanded citizenship to worthy helots and peroikoi when in dire dire need, not as a political move like how the Romans used it.
So, for example, how could Sparta had done this? Firstly, many in Greece, especially in the Peloponnese, admired the Spartan way of life. So, first, grant peroikoi-like rights to all those in their sway. Secondly, allow all these new citizens to send their children to the Agoge. Any child that makes it through the Agoge and survives then becomes a full fledged Homoioi, with full rights to their children. This would expand their army base considerably. Greater care of allies and their needs would also have expanded their reach. In the end, the lack of a nationalistic feeling throughout Greece would prevent any kind of real empire to form, unless those drastic changes to Spartan exclusivity as I have outlined had been implemented.
So, for example, how could Sparta had done this? Firstly, many in Greece, especially in the Peloponnese, admired the Spartan way of life. So, first, grant peroikoi-like rights to all those in their sway. Secondly, allow all these new citizens to send their children to the Agoge. Any child that makes it through the Agoge and survives then becomes a full fledged Homoioi, with full rights to their children. This would expand their army base considerably. Greater care of allies and their needs would also have expanded their reach. In the end, the lack of a nationalistic feeling throughout Greece would prevent any kind of real empire to form, unless those drastic changes to Spartan exclusivity as I have outlined had been implemented.
Michael D. Hafer [aka Mythos Ruler, aka eX | Vesper]
In peace men bury their fathers. In war men bury their sons.
In peace men bury their fathers. In war men bury their sons.
