ephors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ephors" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a group of officials in ancient Sparta who were responsible for various aspects of governance and oversight. Example: "The ephors played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in Spartan society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Olympionikai ("Victors at Olympia") was a synchronic list of victors in the Olympic Games, the kings and ephors of Sparta, the archons (magistrates) of Athens, and the priestesses of Hera at Argos.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In antiquity, time periods were recorded by the names of the ephors on a list that dated back to 754 bc.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Ephorate, five elected magistrates who, with the king, formed the main executive body of the state, was abolished (four of the five ephors being executed); the powers of the council were probably curtailed; and patronomoi (the board of six elders) was probably introduced at this time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ephors (Spartan magistrates) of each year on entering office declared war on the helots so that they might be murdered at any time without violating religious scruples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ephors presided over meetings of the council of elders, or gerousia, and assembly, or apella, and were responsible for the execution of their decrees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In classical times an oath was sworn monthly: by the kings that they would observe the laws; by the ephors on behalf of the city that on this condition they would maintain the king's authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Magistrates called ephors were unique to Sparta and its offshoots, but there is nothing intrinsically odd about formal magistracies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As Schumpeter's private ephors have not nurtured but tyrannised the real economy, these public banks are having to increase their role beyond counter-cyclical lending and infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Economist Joseph Schumpeter, known for his cutting-edge work on the effect of technological change in transforming capitalist economies, and who brought the term "creative destruction" to prominence, got one thing wrong: he called financial markets the ephors (Spartan leaders) of capitalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ephor, (Greek ephoros), title of the highest Spartan magistrates, five in number, who with the kings formed the main executive wing of the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing governing bodies, clarify the distinct functions of the "ephors" to avoid confusion with other roles.

Common error

Avoid using "ephors" interchangeably with terms like "gerousia" (council of elders) or "kings", as they had distinct roles in Sparta's government. Ensure the context clearly indicates the "ephors'" specific responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The term "ephors" functions as a noun, specifically referring to the group of magistrates in ancient Sparta. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and historical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ephors" accurately identifies the magistrates of ancient Sparta. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and primarily found in historical and academic contexts, particularly within encyclopedias and news media. When writing about ancient Sparta, use "ephors" specifically when referring to these magistrates, and avoid confusing the term with other governing bodies. While uncommon, the term's specific and historical meaning makes its correct usage vital for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Spartan magistrates

Focuses on the specific role of the "ephors" as magistrates within Sparta.

chief magistrates of Sparta

Highlights the leading role of the "ephors" as magistrates.

Spartan overseers

Highlights the supervisory function of the "ephors" in Spartan society.

state magistrates in Sparta

Highlights the official and governmental aspect of the "ephors'" duties.

executive magistrates

Emphasizes the "ephors'" role in the executive branch of government.

council of elders

Refers to a related governing body that the "ephors" interacted with.

Spartan authorities

General term designating the "ephors'" power and jurisdiction.

governing officials in Sparta

Offers a broader term for the "ephors'" position within the Spartan government.

leaders of ancient Sparta

Provides a general term for those in charge, which includes the "ephors".

Spartan rulers

Suggests the authoritative role the "ephors" held within Spartan society.

FAQs

What was the role of the "ephors" in ancient Sparta?

The "ephors" were five elected magistrates in Sparta who, along with the kings, formed the main executive body of the state. They had significant power, including the ability to check the power of the kings and oversee various aspects of Spartan life.

How did the "ephors" interact with the Spartan kings?

The "ephors" could check the power of the Spartan kings. In classical times, an oath was sworn monthly: by the kings that they would observe the laws; by the "ephors" on behalf of the city that on this condition they would maintain the king's authority.

What were some of the responsibilities of the "ephors"?

The responsibilities of the "ephors" included presiding over meetings of the council of elders, or gerousia, and assembly, or apella, and were responsible for the execution of their decrees. They also had extensive police powers.

Are there any modern equivalents to the role of the "ephors"?

There aren't direct modern equivalents, but the role of the "ephors" as checks on executive power can be compared to modern systems of checks and balances, such as those found in constitutional republics. Other terms such as "magistrates", "overseers", or "chief magistrates" can be used to describe similar, although not identical, roles in contemporary governance.