Leonidas II facts for kids

Cleombrotus II ordered into banishment by Leonidas II king of Sparta, Pelagio Palagi (1775–1860).

Kleombrotos sent into Exile by Leonidas II, Oil on canvas, Benjamin West, c. 1768.

Leonidas II was a king of Sparta from the Agiad family. He ruled from about 254 to 242 BC, and again from 241 to 235 BC. He was the 28th king from his family line.

The Life of King Leonidas II

Leonidas was the son of Cleonymus. His grandfather was King Cleomenes II, who ruled Sparta for a long time. Leonidas belonged to the Agiad dynasty. This was one of the two main royal families in Sparta. The other royal family was called the Eurypontids.

Early Life and Marriage

Leonidas II grew up in the Seleucid court. This was a powerful kingdom far from Sparta. He married a woman from a different culture. Some people said she was Persian. Others said she was from the Seleucid royal family.

Because of his foreign wife and lifestyle, some Spartan leaders did not trust him. These leaders included Lysander, an ephor (a powerful Spartan official), and Agis IV, the other king of Sparta.

Conflict with Agis IV

Leonidas II did not agree with the changes that his co-king, Agis IV, wanted to make. Agis IV was from the Eurypontid family. He wanted to reform Sparta and change its laws.

Lysander, the ephor, said he saw a sign from the gods against Leonidas. To avoid being put on trial, Leonidas ran away from Sparta. While he was gone, Leonidas was removed from his position as king. His son-in-law, Cleombrotus II, became king instead.

Return to Power

Later, Leonidas came back to Sparta. This happened while Agis IV was away fighting in Aetolia. Leonidas then removed Cleombrotus II from the throne. He sent Cleombrotus II away from Sparta and took back his own position as king.

Soon after, Leonidas removed Agis IV from power. He then had Agis IV executed. Agis IV's mother, Agesistrate, and grandmother, Archidamia, were also executed.

Leonidas II's Family

Leonidas II had three children with his wife, Cratesiclea. She was from the Seleucid royal family.

His Children

His son, Cleomenes III, became king after him. Cleomenes III married Agiatis when he was 18. Agiatis was the widow of Agis IV, the king Leonidas had executed. Cleomenes III and Agiatis had at least one son. This son died in Egypt with his grandmother.

Leonidas's daughter, Chilonis, was married to Cleombrotus II. Cleombrotus II was the one who briefly replaced Leonidas as king. Chilonis was known for being very loyal. She followed her father into exile when he was removed from power. Then, when her father returned and sent her husband away, she also followed her husband into exile.

See also

In Spanish: Leónidas II para niños

• List of Greek monarchs
• List of kings of Sparta