Ancient Greece

In defense of Spartan Foreign Policy in establishing oligarchies on subject allies

I am Sparta , known for producing disciplined strong warriors . In fifth century BC , I had adopted a foreign policy of setting up oligarchies on other Greek city- states that I had controlled and sought alliance with me . All of the Greek-city states are aware that the balance of power between us must be maintained otherwise one Greek-city state will become militarily superior and invade other Greek-city states and rule over us This is most likely the ambition of Athens , my

powerful rival , who exact tributes from its conquered city-states . Therefore , my reasons for setting up oligarchies are based on the following three reasons

First , the city-state must be militarily strong to fight-off foreign invasions of other ambitious Greek city-states who want to dominate Greece . The only way to do that is for a strong leader to rule a city-state . In view of my advocacy for developing disciplined warriors I think that I possessed the qualities of a strong leader who is capable of leading the battle against my enemies . In short , I can protect the city-state from any invasions by developing the military strength of my allies

Second , leadership always brings with it political instability that would endanger the city-state . There are always those who will always desire political power and this could lead to factions or tyranny Therefore , you should not view my setting up of oligarchial rule as wrong for it ensures that the city-state will have political stability It is because Sparta is known to establish the most stable form of government in all of Greece . I had been successful in making all of my citizens obedient and loyal to my cause , that is , at the expense of family and personal life , to make my own state militarily powerful . For example , Spartans were expected to marry , but the family was regarded as less important than the state . The men of Sparta spent most of their time fighting or practicing military skills . Even after retiring at the age of 60 , Spartan men served the government or military schools of the state

Third , unlike my powerful rival Athens I do not exact tributes from my conquered or allied city-states except in times of war in exchange for their protection . I only require them to swear certain oaths like to follow wherever I will lead and to have the same friends and enemies Therefore , I can say that I am more of a gracious ruler than Athens . As the city-states can keep their taxes or tributes , they can have the opportunity to use them for the needs of their own state

However , my foreign policy of setting up oligarchial rule had proven to be the cause of my downfall . It had sown a seed of discontent and fear among my allied city-states , especially my leading allies , Corinth and Thebes . My oligarchial rule , that is my pursuit for a disciplined government was viewed as brutal and tyrannical . Worse , they...