Editing Ephor (section)

==Ephors in modern culture==
The concept of an ephorate continues to be used by some contemporary organizations which require a monarchical element within a democratic framework. One such organization is the Ephorate of the [[Rascals, Rogues, and Rapscallions]], an American fraternal research society.<ref>[http://www.geocities.ws/ephorate/constitution.html Constitution of the RR&R Ephorate]</ref>

[https://www.culture.gov.gr/el/SitePages/default.aspx The Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sports] contains several regional ephorates that carry out the administration of archaeological investigations in their respective regions<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ministry- Structure|url=https://www.culture.gov.gr/en/ministry/SitePages/structure.aspx|access-date=2021-12-08|website=www.culture.gov.gr}}</ref>

The [[Parthenopean Republic|Neapolitan Republic]]'s constitution of 1799, written by [[Francesco Mario Pagano]], envisaged what would now be described as a [[constitutional court]], the ''eforato'', but the republic lasted only six months.

[[Zack Snyder]]'s 2007 film adaptation of the Battle of Thermopylae, ''[[300 (film)|300]]'', depicts ephors as priestly class that exercise power by interpreting the words of the Oracle. In the film they are dramatized as elderly lepers with pale skin and lesions. At the beginning of the movie, Leonidas is shown visiting the ephors and proposing a war strategy to them. The ephors then consult the Oracle and refuse Leonidas' plan, showing that they have been bribed by [[Xerxes I]]. King Leonidas thus leads his 300 'bodyguards' to Thermopylae without their approval.<ref>Snyder, Zack. "300 (2007)". ''[[AllMovie]]''. Archived from the original on January 27, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2019.</ref>

Rudolph Maté's 1962 film ''[[The 300 Spartans]]'' also depicts the ephorate's role in the [[Battle of Thermopylae]]. They are shown conflicting with King [[Leotychidas]] over the decision to delay the battle until after the religious harvest festival of [[Carneia]]. The ephors decide to delay the battle but under the guise of having private bodyguards, King Leonidas marches into battle with 300 Spartans. The ephors are mentioned later in the film when Leonidas receives a letter from his wife informing him that the ephors have the remainder of the Spartan army will not be joining him. Xenathon is a named ephor in the film.<ref>Maté, Rudolph. ''The 300 Spartans,'' 1962, 20th Century Fox.</ref>

Ephors have appeared in Steven Pressfield's 1998 ''[[Gates of Fire]],'' an [[historical fiction]] novel that recounts the Battle of Thermopylae. In Chapter 15, the ephors appear when a delegation of mothers and wives goes to the council, requesting they be allowed to join the battle.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pressfield |first=Steven |title=Gates of Fire |publisher=Doubleday |year=1998|isbn=978-0-385-49251-5|location=Australia}}</ref>

In [[Kieron Gillen]]'s [[graphic novel]] ''[[Three (comics)|Three]]'', ephors are referenced when Gillen describes the [[Crypteia|Krypteia]] and writes "Once a year, the masters declare war on the helots." The ephors were in charge of the Krypteia and declaring war on the helots in order to keep them terrified and controlled. The next scene depicts the ephor, Eurytos, being guided by his soldiers to a helot community where they demand hospitality. Eurytos is killed by a helot revolt and the only surviving soldier returns to Sparta to inform the remaining four ephors. The ephors send soldiers to kill the helots who killed Eurytos stating, "The only thing more unthinkable than a helot killing an ephor is that helot escaping punishment."<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gillen |first=Kieron |title=Three |publisher=Image Comics Inc.|year=2014|location=Berkeley, CA}}</ref>