The Ephors, priests to the old gods.
No Spartan king has gone to war without the Ephors' blessing.
For no Spartan king has gone to war without the Ephors' blessing.
Tradition even Leonidas
cannot defy… for he must respect the word of the Ephors.
The Ephors choose only the most beautiful Spartan gifts… to live among them as oracles.
The Ephors choose only the most beautiful Spartan girls to live amongst them as oracles.
The Ephors choose only the most beautiful Spartan girls… to live among them as oracles.
The Ephors consult the Oracle, who decrees
that Sparta will not go to war during the Carneia.
Prince George acted as final referee;
according to Coubertin,"his presence gave weight and authority to the decisions of the Ephors.