Lycurgus Of Sparta Rhetorical Analysis

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The history of Lycurgus is difficult to decipher, because many of the texts that had him as a subject have been destroyed or lost. Yet, the history of this ancient person that has survived is rich with values and lessons for all generations. The decisions made by Lycurgus created a building block from his society that all other successful societies after him would follow (at least in part). Lycurgus’ reformation of early Sparta ensured that they would (and did) survive longer than any other society of the time. Lycurgus refused to stand by and watch his city plummet into chaos. His actions bound his people together and ensured the welfare of many generations after his presence. Lycurgus of Sparta
Lycurgus of Sparta is the person credited
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This climate made the actions of Lycurgus a shining example of how someone with power should behave: with humility. In my opinion, this is the first documented major event to mark Lycurgus’ ability as a leader. He wasn’t just giving up power. He was giving up power that would be passed down for generations of his bloodline. He was also doing the right thing. He honored the laws of the time, and did not hold onto his power falsely. By following these tenants, Lycurgus gained the trust and admiration of the people. Before Lycurgus came to power, there was unrest across the entire known …show more content…
The royalty were becoming worried of their ability to control the people of the city. So, both the people and the king sent for Lycurgus, begging him to return to the city. Lycurgus returned to the city and immediately set to the task of implementing his model of what the city-state should be. He started with his close friends, and soon expanded to more of the influential people of the city. When the time was right, he stood thirty citizens in the city square equipped for war. But, he did not use force. The warriors were only there to prevent the people from revolting during the initial