There were two kings that ruled Sparta and this was one of
the unique features of Sparta. These two kings belonged to two different royal
families. Under normal circumstances, any one of them controlled the army of
Sparta. There was also the powerful assembly and the elected council and officials
that looked after the needs of the people of Sparta. The 5 elected euphors had immense power that
was unchallengeable and so they also had a certain degree of ruling power over
the people of Sparta.