What was Cleomenes I known for?
Cleomenes I, (died 491 bc), Spartan king from 519 bc to his death, a ruler who consolidated his city’s position as the leading power in the Peloponnesus. He refused to commit Spartan forces overseas against the Persians but readily intervened in the affairs of his Greek rival, Athens.
Was Cleomenes a good king?
One of the most important Spartan kings, Cleomenes was instrumental in organising the Greek resistance against the Persian Empire of Darius, as well as shaping the geopolitical balance of Classical Greece.
What did demaratus say to Xerxes about the Spartans that made Xerxes laugh?
‘ “When Xerxes heard this answer of Demaratus, he laughed and answered: ‘What wild words, Demaratus! A thousand men join battle with such an army as mine! Come then, will you — who were once, as you say, their king — fight alone right now against ten men?
How did Demaratus try to frustrate Cleomenes?
When Cleomenes attempted to make Isagoras tyrant in Athens, Demaratus tried unsuccessfully to frustrate his plans. In 491 BC, Aegina was one of the states which gave the symbols of submission (earth and water) to Persia.
What happened to Demaratus in ancient Greece?
Demaratus. Demaratus, (flourished 5th century bc ), king of Sparta, together with Cleomenes I, who frustrated Cleomenes’ designs on both Athens and Aegina. He was consequently dethroned by Cleomenes on a false charge of illegitimacy, upon which he fled to Persia and was given some small cities in northwestern Asia Minor,…
Who was Demaratus?
… (Show more) Demaratus, (flourished 5th century bc ), king of Sparta, together with Cleomenes I, who frustrated Cleomenes’ designs on both Athens and Aegina.
What did Cleomenes do to Leotychides?
Cleomenes bribed the Delphic oracle to pronounce in favour of Leotychidas, who became king in 491 BC. After the deposition of Demaratus, Cleomenes visited the island of Aegina for a second time, accompanied by his new colleague Leotychides, seized ten of the leading citizens and deposited them at Athens as hostages.