Scholars for more than a century have minimized the importance of legend about Lykourgos in Spartan culture of the fifth – century almost as if his widespread presence in fifth-century discourse implied that he and his activities were historical. This chapter recognizes instead that myth about the legislator, that as the stories about other lawgivers in many ways resemble foundation stories of Greek cities, played an active role in Sparta's culture from the archaic period onwards. The Spartans attributed to Lykourgos a broad political role and his legendary activities were linked to the “Great” Rhetra. The ancient studies contrast with current scholarship on Sparta. The focus has shifted from the person of Lykourgos to the tradition about Lykourgos, and the chapter follows the development of the ancient lore on Lykourgos, Particular importance in the tradition of Lykourgos had the themes of his regency, of his relationship with Delphi and of his seizure of power. These different elements of the stories about Lykourgos are analyzed in their historical meaning and in their evolution, highlighting both the dynamics attributable to the ‘invention of tradition‘ and ‘intentional history‘, both those attributable to the tendency of ancient authors to propose a plausible and rational reconstruction of events.
Lykourgos the Spartan “Lawgiver”: Ancient Beliefs and Modern Scholarship
Massimo Nafissi
2018
Abstract
Scholars for more than a century have minimized the importance of legend about Lykourgos in Spartan culture of the fifth – century almost as if his widespread presence in fifth-century discourse implied that he and his activities were historical. This chapter recognizes instead that myth about the legislator, that as the stories about other lawgivers in many ways resemble foundation stories of Greek cities, played an active role in Sparta's culture from the archaic period onwards. The Spartans attributed to Lykourgos a broad political role and his legendary activities were linked to the “Great” Rhetra. The ancient studies contrast with current scholarship on Sparta. The focus has shifted from the person of Lykourgos to the tradition about Lykourgos, and the chapter follows the development of the ancient lore on Lykourgos, Particular importance in the tradition of Lykourgos had the themes of his regency, of his relationship with Delphi and of his seizure of power. These different elements of the stories about Lykourgos are analyzed in their historical meaning and in their evolution, highlighting both the dynamics attributable to the ‘invention of tradition‘ and ‘intentional history‘, both those attributable to the tendency of ancient authors to propose a plausible and rational reconstruction of events.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
