LYCURGUS, li-lciegfis, Spartan lawgiver; flourished in the 9th century B.C., according to the commonly received traditions. He was the youngest son of the Spartan king Eunomus. His eldest brother, Polydectos, succeeded his father in the government, but died soon after. His wife proposed to Lycurgus to destroy her unborn child by her late husband, if he would share the throne with her. When she gave birth to a son, Charilaus, Lycurgus proclaimed him king, and became his guardian. Being desirous of examining the political constitutions of other lands, Lycurgus left Sparta. On his return the entire community requested him to draw up a constitution for them, and he undertook the task. The old constitution was completely remodeled; the highest position in the state was to be shared by two kings, whose powers were coun terbalanced by a senate (gerousia). The peo
ple obtained a voice in public affairs. The native race or Lacedzmoruans were confined to the pursuits of trade, commerce and agricul ture; the Helots or slaves to all those menial employments which a freeman would consider as a disgrace; while the Spartans became the warriors of the state. Lycurgus also intro duced a redistribution of property. Obtaining from the god at Delphi an approving oracle for his institutions, he exacted a promise from his countrymen not to make any alterations in the laws before his return from a journey he was about to make. He then left Sparta, de termined to finish his life in voluntary exile in order that the Spartans might be bound by their oath to preserve his constitution inviolate forever. The time and place of his death are unknown.