The Apophthegmata Lakonika and Greek Perceptions Identifying Authentic Spartan Traits from the Spartan Mirage
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The Apophthegmata Lakonika and Greek Perceptions Identifying Authentic Spartan Traits from the Spartan mirage by: Timothy Michael Olinski A thesis submitted to the Graduate Program in Classics in conformity with the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada April 2016 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License Copyright © Timothy Michael Olinski, 2016 ii Abstract There exists within the corpus of extant Greek and Roman literature a work by Plutarch, the Apophthegmata Lakonika that has been looked upon dubiously by scholars. However, the scholarly neglect of the Sayings of the Spartans has created another unnecessary barrier to gaining a better understanding of the Spartans. Although heavily influenced by the Spartan mirage, the Apophthegmata Lakonika represents a valuable source of insight into the mindset and personality of the average Spartan. The intent of this study is to examine key selections of the Sayings and comparing them to historical events that either reflect, or contradict, the values expressed in the Sayings. This study will focus on five fundamental areas: patriotism, nerves, obedience, contempt for wealth, and the Spartan relationship with death. The intended approach is to examine several Sayings that discuss each value, and then compare that evidence with the historical record to confirm or deny their authenticity as Spartan traits. By dissecting the Sayings and examining them in this way, we can begin to dissect features of the Spartan mirage that have developed over the course of thousands of years of scholarship. We can begin to divide the fictitious and fallacious aspects of the Spartan mirage from authentic fact, and in doing so gain a new avenue with which to interact with Spartan culture. The implications of such a study are wide-reaching. By affirming the validity of the Apophthegmata Lakonika we can both open it to further examination as well as reinvigorate an otherwise neglected area of scholarly study. The name “Spartan” has always echoed with authority within the ancient tradition – and such an echo deserves its due within academic scholarship, rather than its status as near anathema for much of the latter half of the 20th century. iii Acknowledgements I just want to thank my wonderful supervisor Dr. Cristiana Zaccagnino for helping me put this together. I’d also like to thank my defense committee – Dr. Caroline Faulkner, Dr. R.D. Griffith, and Dr. Anne Foley for helping me shape this final product. Finally, I’d like to thank Mary Smida, our department coordinator, without whose tireless efforts this entire house of cards would have collapsed upon us all. iv Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................... iii Abbreviations and Conventions .......................................................................................................... v Chapter One ...................................................................................................................................... 1 The Timeless Ideal: Plutarch and the Spartan Mirage ................................................................................ Chapter Two .................................................................................................................................... 30 Sparta Before Themselves .......................................................................................................................... Chapter Three .................................................................................................................................. 41 Iron Nerves .................................................................................................................................................. Chapter Four .................................................................................................................................... 54 Obedience ................................................................................................................................................... Chapter Five .................................................................................................................................... 66 Contempt for Wealth .................................................................................................................................. Chapter Six ...................................................................................................................................... 79 Spartans and Death ..................................................................................................................................... Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 89 The Authenticity of Perception ................................................................................................................... Bibliography .................................................................................................................................... 97 Appendix One ................................................................................................................................ 101 Appendix Two ................................................................................................................................ 102 v Abbreviations and Conventions Ancient authors and works are abbreviated according to those used in H.G. Liddell and R. Scott, A Greek English Lexicon, Oxford 1968. For Greek names I have used spellings which follow the Greek as closely as possible, keeping the traditional forms for such names as Thucydides and Plutarch. All Apophthegmata Lakonika excerpts are my translations, but other translations are from their corresponding editions in my bibliography. Finally, the term “Spartan” is used to refer to an individual hailing from Sparta (much like a “German” is used to refer to a man or woman from Germany), while “Spartiate” is used specifically to refer to male citizens of Sparta. 1 Chapter One The Timeless Ideal: Plutarch and the Spartan mirage Plutarch and his Fortune When one considers the vast history of Greece – from the Bronze Age into the Classical and Hellenistic periods – two names have always dominated academic scholarship: Athens and Sparta. However, Sparta, until recently, has been somewhat neglected by modern academic scholarship (i.e. Post- WWII). Although partly due to a lack of archaeological materials left behind by this famously austere society, the dearth of literature on Sparta has a much older cause. The seeming lack of scholarly interest is largely the result of a significant absence in our ancient sources concerning Sparta and her customs. This gap in the historical record is so complete, that it almost seems as if the Spartan state intended it that way. By restricting the movement of information, the Spartan state fostered speculation, and ultimately caused the emergence of a perceived reality, or rather, the Spartan mirage. Over time this mirage would come to be accepted as reality by their fellow Greeks. They created the spectre of an austere society defended by fanatically patriotic warriors famous for their ability to withstand physical hardship. With little effort, the Spartan state was able to set the groundwork for every victory they had against their Greek rivals before their armies ever met on the battlefield. As a result of this mirage, and the restriction on outside access, we have few sources that shed light on an authentic Sparta. In order to gain better insight into this mirage, and what true Spartans may have been like, we need to consider the mirage more closely. As with all gossip and intrigue, it relies on a kernel of truth hidden deep within the exaggeration and invention. Our best authority on the mirage, albeit unintentionally, is Plutarch, whose writing stands out as a solid amalgam of this mirage. Plutarch himself grew up at a center of historical change. His birthplace, Chaironeia, was the site where Philip of 2 Macedon bent Greece to his will in 338 BCE, and where Sulla defeated Mithridates in 86 BCE. From his birth, ca. 40-50 CE, he was very much ‘steeped in history.’1 Coming from a rich family, Plutarch was able to take part in the social and intellectual life of his city.2 He studied in Athens under the philosopher Ammonius, a well-known Platonist and veteran strategos.3 While studying he also gained Athenian citizen rights, but he was not content simply return to Chaironeia.4 Instead he travelled the known world, visiting such areas as Egypt and Rome in his journeys. While in Rome he lectured for eager audiences, and while in Egypt he visited Alexandria, sparking a life- long interest in Egyptian culture, especially in Isis and Osiris.5 Returning to Greece, Plutarch also spent some time at Delphi, becoming a citizen there as well. While serving as a priest of Apollo at Delphi, and in a minor political role in Chaironeia, Plutarch died around 120 CE.6 Beyond this life of travelling, religious office, and minor political affairs, Plutarch spent his life doing what he loved: writing. What Plutarch is most famous for are his Parallel Lives of famous Greeks and Romans.