In ancient Sparta, the ephors were a group of five elected officials who had significant power in the Spartan government. Their role was to oversee the actions of the two kings, who were the hereditary rulers of Sparta, and to ensure that they were acting in the best interests of the state. The ephors also had authority over other government officials, such as the council of elders and the assembly of citizens, and played a role in making decisions on matters of foreign policy and warfare. They were responsible for declaring war, negotiating treaties, and supervising the military. The ephors served one-year terms and were chosen by the assembly of citizens, making them a key part of the Spartan political system.
