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.
In antiquity, time periods were recorded by the names of the ephors on a list that dated back to 754 bc.
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.
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 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.
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.
As Leonidas angrily departs, a messenger from Xerxes appears, rewarding the Ephors for their covert support.
Later in 227 BC, Cleomenes bribed the ephors to allow him to continue his campaign against the Achaeans.
Prince George acted as final referee; according to Coubertin, "his presence gave weight and authority to the decisions of the ephors".
In 235 BC, Cleomenes III ( 235 222 BC) ascended the throne of Sparta and began a program of reform aimed at restoring traditional Spartan discipline while weakening the influence of the ephors, elected officials who wielded extraordinary political power, although they had sworn to uphold the rule of Sparta's kings.
