The culture of Sparta and the Spartans was pinpoint focused upon their military, they were a highly efficient unit on and off the battlefield. The only truly military state in ancient Greece, Spartans, men, women and children were born into, and lived in an existence that was ruled by regiment and organisation. It was this military regimented mentality that allowed the small Spartan population to become rulers of ancient Greece and the dominant fighting force of the time.
The Spartan society was based on the constitution and was ruled by a mixed state of government which worked using quite a complicated system, but this essentially consisted of two kings from two separate families. The kings were considered equal in power and their dual rulership was designed to ensure fairness and harmony in the state. This dual kingship was rather unique and not repeated anywhere in ancient Greece except Sparta, but this feature proved extremely popular throughout the timeline of ancient Sparta.
The Spartan elders were known as the Gerousia, and was formed from the two Spartan Kings and 30 additional elders. There were certain requirements before a Spartan could be considered for the Gerousia, they would of course have to be a Spartan citizen, be over sixty years old and the more noble your family, the more chance you had of becoming an elder.
The Geriousia themselves served an important role in the Spartan society, not only being involved in politics, but also acting as middle men between the kings and the Apella the general Spartiates. They would additionally serve as a court in the state, with the power to punish, fine and ban citizens, and even attempt to try the kings in extreme circumstances, should they do something that would require intervention.
source:
<span>http://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/ancient-sparta/spartan-culture/</span>
