In ancient Sparta, a council of elders (usually 28 men over age 60) who served as an important governing body alongside the kings.
From Greek 'gerousia,' derived from 'geron' (old man, elder). This institution was central to Spartan government and combined judicial, advisory, and legislative powers.
The Spartan gerousia proved that societies could literally be run by elderly people—and they were so effective at their job that they jealously guarded their power and fiercely punished anyone trying to increase the kings' authority.
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