were the only real check upon the authority of the Ephors. They
discussed and prepared all measures which were to be brought
before the popular assembly, and they had some share in the
general administration of the state. But the most important of
their functions was, that they were judges in all criminal cases
affecting the life of a Spartan citizen.

The Popular Assembly was of little importance, and appears to
have been usually summoned only as a matter of form for the
election of certain magistrates, for passing laws, and for
determining upon peace and war. It would appear that open
discussion was not allowed and that the assembly rarely came to a
division.

The Ephors were of later origin, and did not exist in the
original constitution of Lycurgus. They may be regarded as the
representatives of the popular assembly. They were elected
annually from the general body of Spartan citizens, and seem to
have been originally appointed to protect the interests and
liberties of the people against the encroachments of the kings
and the senate. They correspond in many respects to the tribunes
of the people at Rome. Their functions were at first limited and
of small importance; but in the end the whole political power
became centred in their hands.

The Spartan government was in reality a close oligarchy, in which
the kings and the senate, as well as the people, were alike
subject to the irresponsible authority of the five Ephors.

The most important part of the legislation of Lycurgus did not