A kinship between Jews and Spartans may seem far-fetched to modern eyes, but such notions were entertained for four centuries in antiquity. The belief that Jews and Spartans were related has historical, mythical, and political dimensions. These beliefs spanned multiple generations, indicating a deep Spartan impression on Judean society.
Historical evidence of ties
The primary evidence for this kinship comes from three letters recorded in the first book of Maccabees, which suggest a diplomatic correspondence between Jewish and Spartan leaders. The first letter is from King Areus of Sparta to the Judaean High Priest Onias, dating from around 309 to 261 BC.
In this letter, Areus addresses Onias as a brother, claiming that Jews and Spartans are of the same family and share a connection with Abraham. Areus closes his letter with hopes for a reply and news of the Jews’ circumstances, affirming that their goods and property are joint possessions. Most scholars believe this letter was fabricated to provide context for the second letter.
The second letter, written more than a century later in 144 BC, is an embassy from Jonathan, the successor of Judas Maccabaeus, to the Spartans. Jonathan reaffirms the kinship and expresses the desire to renew the alliance, emphasizing the overdue nature of their friendship. Jonathan references the previous letter from Onias and affirms they are Adelphoi or brothers. He continues by reporting how Jewish successes against all the enemies in their vicinity were attained without the assistance of allies.
The third letter, dated 142 BC, is a response from Spartan envoys to Simon, Jonathan’s successor. The Spartans express their ambition to renew their friendship and alliance. They greeted the Jews as brothers and acknowledged the warm reception of Jewish delegates in Sparta. The letters were preserved in the Spartan archives, indicating the significance of these diplomatic relations. Where does the notion that the Spartans and Jews were related come from?
Mythical foundations of Judeo-Spartan links
The notion of a Jewish-Spartan kinship is rooted in ancient myths and legends. One prominent tradition is the Abrahamic-Herculean myth recorded by Cleodemus, which links the Jewish patriarch Abraham with the Greek hero Hercules. This myth, referenced by Josephus, suggests a shared ancestry that provided a foundation for the kinship claims. The ancient historian writes about the myth that Hercules had married Aphra’s (Abraham’s) granddaughter when campaigning against the giant Antaeus of Libya.
Another clue comes from Menander of Ephesus, who wrote about King Menelaus of Sparta visiting Phoenicia during Solomon’s reign. This visit supposedly established a connection between the Spartan and Jewish peoples. In 2 Maccabees, the onomastic practice of naming a son after a legendary king—Jason naming his son Menelaus—further supports this mythical tradition. Jones, in his 1999 analysis, highlights how this practice of naming was not merely symbolic but served to reinforce political and cultural alliances.
Are the letters real?
Most scholars doubt the authenticity of the letters. In his 1990 Alien Wisdom, Momigliano argued that the first letter was fabricated to give a context for the second letter, which is probably authentic, and the third letter, which was an authentic correspondence in the first half of the 3rd century BC.
Another expert, Gruen, in his 2016 chapter, The Purported Jewish-Spartan Affiliation, illustrates that if an invention is made, it is clearly a Jewish one. He argues that the expressions used by King Areus found in 1 Maccabees have clear Biblical overtones that match Kings 1 and 2.
However, Amitay, an Israeli scholar, argues for the letters’ authenticity in his 2013 article The Correspondence in I Maccabees and the Possible Origins of the Judeo-Spartan Connection. He uses the attestation naming conventions of the Ben-Lakonia family, a Rabbinic Family with the last name “Lakonia,” centuries later. Likewise, the scholar mentions the Spartan dynast Eurykles visiting Herod’s court, as recorded by ancient historians like Josephus also suggests a Judeo-Spartan kinship.
The persistence of a Lakonian (Spartan) connection for four centuries after the initial contact indicates a significant Spartan impact on Judean society. These points strongly support Amitay’s argument for the letter’s complete authenticity. Why did the ancient Judeans want to affirm or establish Spartan ties?
Political motives for relations
The Jews’ motivation for promoting a kinship with Sparta extended beyond mythology or familial sentiment, and scholars have intensely theorized the political and strategic advantages of such a relationship.
Some experts argue that the Maccabeans may have carried their kinship with Sparta due to Rome’s special treatment of Sparta in the early second century. The Greeks forced Sparta to join the Achaean League in 192 BC, which resulted in Spartan exiles seeking help from Rome. After defeating the Achaeans in 146 BC, the Romans forced them to pay reparations to Sparta and exempted the Laconians from paying tribute to Rome. Through Sparta, Judea may have wanted to win favor with Rome.
In addition to this political tie, it was believed the Sabine women, which the Romans had taken as wives, were relatives of the Spartans. Scholars, therefore, hold that the Hasmoneans may have used their kinship with Sparta to influence Rome. This is well within the Hellenistic practice, whereby ambassadors would appeal to a primary party and other parties who are seen favorably.
The belief that Jews and Spartans were related is a fascinating example of how ancient peoples constructed and utilized myths to serve political and strategic ends. The historical evidence, rooted in the letters recorded in 1 Maccabees, provides a glimpse into the diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain these kinship ties. The mythical traditions, such as the Abrahamic-Herculean myth, add a layer of cultural depth to these claims.
The authenticity of the letters and the historical accuracy of the kinship remain debated. However, the notion of a Jewish-Spartan relationship reflects the broader dynamics of ancient diplomacy and cultural exchange. It reveals how ancient peoples sought to build alliances and strengthen their political positions through shared ancestry and familial connections. Finally, it reflects the function of myths in the everyday lives of ancient peoples.
