[246] Politics III. 6. 1. Welldon, p. 116.
[247] In the Politics (IV. 2. Bekker. Welldon, pp. 253, 254) Aristotle says that "speculation about the ideally best polity is nothing else than a discussion of kingship and aristocracy": and that "kingship must be a mere name and not a reality, unless it is justified by a vast superiority of the reigning king over his subjects":—a condition that can rarely if ever be fulfilled. See also Sidgwick, Elements of Politics, p. 579.
[248] The descriptions of the Spartan and the Carthaginian governments are given in the Politics II. 9 and II. 11.
[249] The chief modern authorities for the history of the Achæan League are Bishop Thirlwall in the eighth volume of his History of Greece, and Professor Freeman in his History of Federal Government in Greece and Italy. I have compiled this chapter, after reading what those authors say on the subject, from the books by ancient writers which they cite.
[250] Smith's Dictionary of Geography, article Achaia: and Smith's Atlas of Ancient Geography.
[251] For the early history of Achaia see Polybius II. 37-41: Shuckburgh, translation, pages 134-137. The story about Croton and Sybaris may be incorrect (Grote, Part II. end of chapter XXXVII.): but it shows that Polybius believed the good government of the Achæans had been established long before the battle of Leuctra.
[252] Polybius II. 41.
[253] Polybius II. 41. For the names of the cities see also Mr Shuckburgh's Introduction, pp. xlviii, xlix.
[254] Polybius II. 43.
[255] For a list of the cities in the league see Freeman, Federal Government, pp. 713-714.