Cleombrotus I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cleombrotus I |
|
|---|---|
| King of Sparta | |
| Reign | 380–371 BC |
| Predecessor | Agesipolis I |
| Successor | Agesipolis II |
| Died | 6 July 371 BC Leuctra, Boeotia |
| Issue | Agesipolis II and Cleomenes II |
| Greek | Κλεόμβροτος |
Cleombrotus I (in Greek: Κλεόμβροτος) was a Spartan king from the Agiad family line. He ruled Sparta from 380 BC until 371 BC. We don't know much about Cleombrotus's early life.
He became king after his brother, Agesipolis I, died in 380 BC. Cleombrotus was the son of Pausanias. As king, he led the Spartan and allied armies from the Peloponnese region. They fought against the Thebans, led by Epaminondas, in a very important battle called the Battle of Leuctra.
The Battle of Leuctra
The Battle of Leuctra was a major turning point in ancient Greek history. During this battle, Cleombrotus I was killed. His army suffered a terrible defeat. This loss ended Sparta's strong control over ancient Greece.
After Cleombrotus I died, his son Agesipolis II became the new king. Cleombrotus also had another son named Cleomenes II.
Why Was Cleombrotus Blamed?
Many historians believe that Cleombrotus I might have been friendly towards the Thebans. This was different from another Spartan king at the time, Agesilaus II.
People living at the time blamed Cleombrotus for the humiliating defeat at Leuctra. They thought he was too soft or even biased towards the enemy. However, some historians today don't believe he actually favored the Thebans.
Cleombrotus I was the first Spartan king to die in battle since Leonidas at the famous Battle of Thermopylae. This shows how significant his death was for Sparta.
