Herodotus - The Histories.pdf

64 V Herodotus
But my hope is strong that a god thou wilt prove,
Lycurgus. Some report besides, that the Pythoness
delivered to him the entire system of laws which
are still observed by the Spartans. The
Lacedaemonians, however. themselves assert that
Lycurgus, when he was guardian of his nephew,
Labotas, king of Sparta, and regent in his room,
introduced them from Crete; for as soon as he
became regent, he altered the whole of the existing
customs, substituting new ones, which he
took care should be observed by all. After this he
arranged whatever appertained to war, establishing
the Enomotiae, Triacades, and Syssitia,
besides which he instituted the senate,’ and the
ephoralty. Such was the way in which the
Lacedaemonians became a well-governed people.
On the death of Lycurgus they built him a temple,
and ever since they have worshipped him with the
utmost reverence. Their soil being good and the
population numerous, they sprang up rapidly to
power, and became a flourishing people. In consequence
they soon ceased to be satisfied to stay
quiet; and, regarding the Arcadians as very much