The article analyses dedicatory inscriptions and other commemorative signs that glorify the exploits of the Spartan military leaders, the regent Pausanias and the admiral Lysander. The author concludes that they both adhered to the same basic pattern of behaviour, openly demonstrating their desire to achieve a higher position in Sparta. The epigrams commissioned by Pausanias and Lysander, which glorified them as the principal authors of the victories, were later used as evidence against them. Pausanias lost his life, and Lysander lost his career, for attempting to violate the behavioural norms obligatory for all members of the community of the “equals”.