What was the name of Sparta’s citizens’ assembly?

The Apella was the name of Sparta’s citizens’ assembly. It consisted of eligible male Spartan citizens and formed one part of the city-state’s distinctive political system.

The assembly voted on proposals, selected ephors, and chose members of the Gerousia when vacancies occurred. Ancient sources indicate that its powers were more restricted than those of Athens’ assembly: debate was controlled, and the presiding officials could sometimes reject a decision judged distorted or improperly reached.

The Apella operated alongside Sparta’s two kings, five ephors, and council of elders. Modern descriptions often compare it with the Athenian Ecclesia, but the institutions were not identical. The term Apella is specifically associated with the Spartan assembly and is also written Apella or Apellae in discussions of ancient Greek political history.