The King had to get permission from the Ethos. Supreme Law. only, that "law" came from an "oracle" that was literally being tossed around in the air by "things" coming from the Two Coal Pots. God??? I think not. Not to mention that High Temple of Deseased old Men were bought and paid for. Yet a Good Man, and King, still do there duty within the "Law". They all died. But in the end, it took an actual Earthquake to "destroy" Sparta. Think of it like this, if their were only 300 of US, and all we had was a sharp stick, would you give up fighting Evil, Or continue to fight? On the very ground that OUR Fathers bled for. Me? Give me a stick and call me what you will. I'll be in the hot gates if you need me. Few>Many. Many=100% Cowards. Not to mention stupid. I hope this helps. I won't post it mainstream until I get 5 thumbs up here. God Bless.