Oligarchy: Historical Case Studies

Sparta was known for its oligarchic government, where power was held by a small group of wealthy and powerful families.

The Council of Elders, also known as the Gerousia, was the ruling council in ancient Sparta.

Venice was known for its oligarchic government during the Renaissance, where power was held by a small group of wealthy merchants.

The Great Council was the ruling council in Venice during the Renaissance.

Argentina was ruled by an oligarchy in the 19th and early 20th centuries, where power was held by a small group of wealthy landowners.

The Estancieros, or wealthy landowners, were the ruling class in Argentina during the oligarchic period.

Nigeria was ruled by an oligarchy in the post-colonial period, where power was held by a small group of military and political elites.

The Supreme Military Council was the ruling military junta in Nigeria during the oligarchic period.

South Korea was ruled by an oligarchy in the 20th century, where power was held by a small group of military and business elites.

The Supreme Council for National Reconstruction was the ruling military junta in South Korea during the oligarchic period.

Saudi Arabia was ruled by an oligarchy in the 20th century, where power was held by a small group of royal family members.

The Al Saud family was the ruling family in Saudi Arabia during the oligarchic period.

Chile was ruled by an oligarchy in the 20th century, where power was held by a small group of wealthy landowners and business elites.

The Latifundistas, or wealthy landowners, were the ruling class in Chile during the oligarchic period.

Spain was ruled by an oligarchy in the 20th century, where power was held by a small group of military and political elites.

The National Defense Junta was the ruling military junta in Spain during the oligarchic period.