People > Kings of Sparta

Kings of Sparta

Background

The Kings of Sparta were dual monarchs from two royal families, the Agiads and the Eurypontids, who ruled concurrently. This unique diarchy helped balance power and prevent absolute rule by any single king. Here is a brief description and a list of some notable kings from each dynasty:

Agiad Dynasty:

1. Eurysthenes (c. 1104 – c. 1066 BCE): Traditionally considered one of the founders of the Agiad dynasty, he led the Dorian invasion and established his rule in Sparta.
2. Agis I (c. 930 – c. 900 BCE): Said to have expanded Sparta’s territory and established its military-oriented society.
3. Eurypon (c. 900 – c. 870 BCE): His name gave rise to the alternative name for the Agiad dynasty, the Eurypontids.
4. Leonidas I (c. 489 – 480 BCE): Famous for his leadership and heroic stand at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army.
5. Pleistoanax (c. 458 – 409 BCE): His reign saw the end of the First Peloponnesian War and a period of peace and stability.
6. Agesilaus II (c. 400 – 360 BCE): Known for his military campaigns against the Persians and Thebans, significantly influencing Spartan politics and warfare.
7. Cleomenes III (235 – 222 BCE): Implemented significant political and economic reforms to restore Spartan power, but ultimately failed in his efforts.

Eurypontid Dynasty:

1. Procles (c. 1104 – c. 1066 BCE): Co-founder of the Eurypontid dynasty alongside Eurysthenes.
2. Charilaus (c. 800 – c. 750 BCE): Credited with expanding Spartan territory and consolidating power.
3. Leotychidas II (491 – 469 BCE): Played a key role in the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly in the Battle of Mycale.
4. Archidamus II (469 – 427 BCE): His reign saw the beginning of the Peloponnesian War.
5. Agis II (427 – 401 BCE): Led Spartan forces during much of the Peloponnesian War.
6. Eudamidas I (c. 331 – c. 305 BCE): Known for his campaigns in Asia Minor and maintaining Spartan influence.
7. Agis IV (244 – 241 BCE): Attempted significant social and economic reforms to address inequality, ultimately resulting in his execution.

Key Characteristics of Spartan Kingship:

• Dual Monarchy: Sparta was unique in having two kings simultaneously, one from each royal family.
• Military Leadership: Kings were primarily military leaders, commanding the Spartan army during wars.
• Religious Roles: They served as high priests and conducted important religious ceremonies.
• Limited Power: Their power was balanced by other political bodies, including the Gerousia (council of elders) and the Ephors (a group of magistrates).

The dual kingship system of Sparta played a crucial role in maintaining the city-state’s militaristic and disciplined society, ensuring stability and continuity through a balanced distribution of power.

Sources

Hall, Johnathan. A History of the Ancient Greek World. Blackwell.

ἀρχαγέτας, ἀρχηγέτης. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A Greek–English Lexicon at the Perseus Project.

Cartledge, Paul, The Spartans, Vintage Books, 2003.

Pindar and the cult of heroes. By Bruno Currie Page 245 ISBN 0-19-927724-9.

A Classical Dictionary By John Lemprière. Pg 618.

A Prosopography of Lacedaemonians, Part 396. By Alfred S. Bradford. Page 44.

Edward William Whitaker. A Complete System of Universal History, Volume 1. 1821. Pg 417.

Plutarch's Lives: Marcus Crassus.-Sertorius.-Eumenes.-Agesilaus.-Pompeius. By Plutarch.

The Cyclopædia, Volume 20. By Abraham Rees. Page 157+ (List of kings of Sparta on pg. 164).

Sir William Smith, A New Classical Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography, Mythology, and Geography: Partly Based Upon the Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. Harper & Brothers, 1851.

Sir William Smith. Abaeus-Dysponteus. J. Murray, 1890.

Sir William Smith. A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Earinus-Nyx. J. Murray, 1876.

William Smith (Ed.) A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Oarses-Zygia. J. Murray, 1880.