Did Plutarch know Lycurgus?

In his Life of Lycurgus, the Greek biographer Plutarch pieced together popular accounts of Lycurgus’ career. Plutarch described Lycurgus’ journey to Egypt and claimed that the reformer had introduced the poems of Homer to Sparta.

What was Lycurgus known for?

Lycurgus is credited with the formation of many Spartan institutions integral to the country’s rise to power, but more importantly the complete and undivided allegiance to Sparta from its citizens, which was implemented under his form of government.

When did Plutarch write Lycurgus?

9th century B.C.E.
(legendary, lived legendary, 9th century B.C.E.) Written 75 A.C.E. There is so much uncertainty in the accounts which historians have left us of Lycurgus, the lawgiver of Sparta, that scarcely anything is asserted by one of them which is not called into question or contradicted by the rest.

Why did Lycurgus redistribute the land?

In order to expel arrogance, envy, crime, luxury and those yet older and more serious political afflictions, wealth and poverty, Lycurgus persuaded the citizens to pool all the land and then redistribute it afresh.

Who was Lycurgus?

(legendary, lived legendary, 9th century B.C.E.) By Plutarch Written 75 A.C.E. Translated by John Dryden There is so much uncertainty in the accounts which historians have left us of Lycurgus, the lawgiver of Sparta, that scarcely anything is asserted by one of them which is not called into question or contradicted by the rest.

What did Lycurgus do with the Oracle?

Lycurgus took the oracle in writing, and sent it over to Sparta; and, having sacrificed the second time to Apollo, and taken leave of his friends and his son, he resolved that the Spartans should not be released from the oath they had taken, and that he would, of his own act, close his life where he was.

Did Lycurgus have an inscription on his copper quoits?

Of this opinion was Aristotle; and for confirmation of it, he alleges an inscription upon one of the copper quoits used in those sports, upon which the name of Lycurgus continued uneffaced to his time.

How many lots did Lycurgus and Polydorus make?

Some authors say that he made but six thousand lots for the citizens of Sparta, and that King Polydorus added three thousand more. Others say that Polydorus doubled the number Lycurgus had made, which, according to them, was but four thousand five hundred.