Lycurgus
Spartan lawgiver. He was believed to have been a member of the royal house of the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, who, while acting as regent, gave the Spartans their constitution and system of education. Many modern scholars believe him to be at least partly legendary.
Lycurgus is thought by some modern scholars to have been a pre-Hellenic Arcadian deity whose cult was adopted at Sparta, where sacrifices were offered to him in historical times. Others accept him as a historical figure.
Lycurgus (c. 390–324 BC)
| Lycurgus administered the finances of Athens 338–326, and during this time he increased its revenue, beautified the city, and established state texts of the tragic plays, to which actors were obliged to adhere. |
| Most of his speeches were for the prosecution in criminal cases; one has survived, Against Leocrates (330). |
