in Grecian Antiquity, the members of the ἀγορεία, or council of elders in the states of Doric origin. Generally; in a more limited sense applied to the senators of Sparta. The constitution of the Gerusia was essentially aristocratic. It corresponded to the βουλή or democratic assembly of the Ionic states of Greece. No one was elected into it who was not sixty years of age. The conditions were also of a very exclusive nature. In theory, the office was held to be the reward of virtue, and none were admitted to it but persons of known character and distinguished position. The Gerusia comprised in all thirty members, returned by the thirty "obec," or "phratrias," into which the three tribes that constituted every Doric state were subdivided. The method of their election was peculiar. The candidates presented themselves in succession before their constituents, who received them with applause proportioned in intensity according to their respective merits. Persons were stationed in an adjoining room to note the applause without knowing by which of the candidates it was elicited. The candidate most applauded was declared successful. An election was a matter of great importance, and the result was always watched with great anxiety. The powers of a councillor were great. His term of office was for life, and his authority was irresponsible.

It is not easy to define with exact precision the extent of the functions of these councillors. They were partly legislative, partly executive, and partly judicial. As a criminal court they could punish without appeal by death and civil degradation. They appear to have also taken a general care of the lives and morals of the citizens, and made provision against the dangers of wealth and luxury by maintaining the ancient strictness of discipline and austerity of manners.