Turtaios van Sparta as ‘betrokke’ digter

Abstract

This article examines the surviving verse of Tyrtaeus of Sparta as Httérature engagée, and thus pursues the theme of a similar article on Solon of Athens (Literator 9(2), 1988:1-16). The Spartan poet used the elegiac form for two main purposes: (1.) the encouragement of Spartan soldiers in their struggle against the Messenians (parainesis), and (2.) the analysis of socio-political problems in Sparta.