The Gerousia was the council of elders that advised Sparta’s kings and helped shape policy.
It consisted of 30 members: Sparta’s two hereditary kings plus 28 elders elected from citizens aged at least 60. Members served for life, making the Gerousia one of Sparta’s most conservative institutions.
The council prepared proposals for the Apella, the citizens’ assembly. It also had important judicial powers, including authority in serious cases involving kings and other citizens.
The Gerousia should not be confused with the ephors. Ephors were five annually elected officials who supervised the kings, administration, and public life, while the Gerousia was a permanent elder council.