The ancient Greek city-state of Sparta was governed by a unique political system featuring how many simultaneous hereditary kings from two distinct royal families (Agiads and Eurypontids)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Two kings
- Step 1: Sparta's constitution, traditionally attributed to the legendary lawgiver Lycurgus, established a mixed government containing elements of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy.
- Step 2: Its diarchy featured two co-ruling kings from the Agiad and Eurypontid houses who held religious priesthoods and alternating military commands during foreign campaigns, checked by five elected Ephors.
Answer
Two kings
Why not the others: 'One king' Sparta rejected single monarchy; its diarchy shared royal command to prevent concentrated tyranny; 'Three kings' Three kings was not a Spartan institution; tripartite governance in Rome involved three triumvirs; 'Ten kings' Ten archons or ten generals (strategoi) were characteristic of democratic Athens, not Spartan kingship.
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