Archidamus II
King of Sparta who reigned during the lead-up to and early stages of the Peloponnesian War.
Quick Facts: Who was Archidamus II?
- Subject:
- Archidamus II
- Known for:
- King of Sparta who reigned during the lead-up to and early stages of the Peloponnesian War.
- Born:
- 450 BC
- Died:
- 420 BC
- Century / Era:
- -450s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Archidamus II (Ancient Greek: Ἀρχίδαμος Archídāmos; died 427/6 BC) was a king of Sparta who reigned from approximately 469/8 BC to 427/6 BC. His father was Zeuxidamus (called Cyniscos by many Spartans). Zeuxidamus married and had a son, Archidamus. However, Zeuxidamus died before his father, Leotychidas. After the death of his son and heir, Leotychidas married Eurydame, the sister of Menius and daughter of Diactorides.
Career & Major Achievements
While they had no male offspring, they did have a daughter, Lampito, whom Leotychidas gave in marriage to his grandson Archidamus. Archidamus's later second marriage was to Eupolia. The Ephors objected to this union, arguing that due to Eupolia's short stature, “She will bear us kinglets instead of kings”. He married her nonetheless and was for that fined by the Ephors. To them were born a son, Agesilaus II, and a daughter, Cynisca.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Archidamus gained the Spartan throne after his grandfather, Leotychidas, was banished around 469 or 468 BC after being accused of bribery. Archidamus was one of the kings of Sparta in the years preceding the Peloponnesian War. His coolness and presence of mind are said to have saved the Spartan state from destruction on the occasion of the great earthquake of 464 BC, but this story must be regarded as at least doubtful. In 446 BC he reached agreement with Pericles on the Thirty Years' Peace between Athens and Sparta, bringing an end to the First Peloponnesian War, which had been raging since c. 460 BC. (with the possible exception of a 5-years peace established in 451 BC).
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Notable Quotes by Archidamus II
“If we begin the war in haste, we'll have many delays before we end it, owing to our lack of preparation.” (432)
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Archidamus II
True or False: “Archidamus II was solely responsible for initiating the Peloponnesian War against Athens.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): While he led forces into Attica multiple times, the text suggests he tried to prevent or postpone the inevitable struggle leading up to the war.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Alcibiades — Contemporary (Born in -450) (-450): Prominent but controversial Athenian statesman and general during the Peloponnesian War.
- Amyntas III of Macedon — Contemporary (Born in -450) (-450): King of Macedon from 393/2 to 370 BC, father of Philip II.
- Cimon — Contemporary (Died in -450) (-450): Prominent Athenian statesman and general, key figure in the Delian League's rise.
- Polykleitos — Contemporary (Died in -420) (-420): Master sculptor of Classical Greece, famed for establishing the ideal human proportion.
- Protagoras — Contemporary (Died in -420) (-420): Pre-Socratic philosopher known for the doctrine of subjective truth and rhetoric.
- Bacchylides — Contemporary figure (Died in -451) (-451): A celebrated Greek lyric poet, noted for the elegance and clarity of his style.
- Zuo Qiuming — Contemporary figure (Died in -451) (-451): Influential Chinese historian and literary figure of the Spring and Autumn period.
- Antisthenes — Contemporary figure (Born in -445) (-445): Founder of Cynicism, Antisthenes was a key early student of Socrates.
- Aristophanes — Contemporary figure (Born in -445) (-445): Master of Old Comedy, whose plays satirized Athenian life and politics.
- -450 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -450
- -420 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -420
Frequently Asked Questions about Archidamus II
Who was Archidamus II and what are their primary contributions?
King of Sparta who reigned during the lead-up to and early stages of the Peloponnesian War. Origins & Early Life: Archidamus II (Ancient Greek: Ἀρχίδαμος Archídāmos; died 427/6 BC) was a king of Sparta who reigned from approximately 469/8 BC to 427/6 BC. His father was Zeuxidamus (called Cyniscos by many Spartans). Zeuxidamus married and had a son, Archidamus. However, Zeuxidamus died before his father, Leotychidas. After the death of his son and heir, Leotychidas married Eurydame, the sister of Menius and daughter of Diactorides.
When was Archidamus II born and during which historical era did they live?
Archidamus II was born on -450 and passed away on -420. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the -450 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Archidamus II?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia