Pleistarchus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pleistarchus |
|
|---|---|
| King of Sparta | |
| Reign | 480–459 BC |
| Predecessor | Leonidas I |
| Successor | Pleistoanax |
| Died | c. 458 BC |
| Father | Leonidas I |
| Mother | Gorgo |
Pleistarchus (Greek: Πλείσταρχος Pleistarchos) was a King of Sparta from 480 BC to about 458 BC. He belonged to the Agiad royal family, one of the two main ruling families in ancient Sparta.
Who Was King Pleistarchus?
Pleistarchus was born a prince in ancient Sparta. He was likely the only son of the famous King Leonidas I and Queen Gorgo. His grandparents were also kings: Anaxandridas II and Cleomenes I.
Interestingly, his parents were related. His mother, Queen Gorgo, was the daughter of his grandfather King Cleomenes I, making her his father's niece.
Becoming King
Pleistarchus became king when he was very young. His father, King Leonidas I, was killed in 480 BC during the famous Battle of Thermopylae. Because Pleistarchus was still a child, he could not rule Sparta by himself.
So, a special person called a regent ruled in his place. A regent is someone who governs a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule.
Regents of Pleistarchus
First, Pleistarchus's uncle, Cleombrotus, acted as his regent. Cleombrotus helped lead Sparta for a short time.
After Cleombrotus died in 479 BC, Pleistarchus's cousin, Pausanias, took over as regent. Pausanias was a very important leader in Sparta during this time.
End of His Reign
It is not known if King Pleistarchus ever got married. He died around 458 BC without having any children to take his place as king.
After his death, his cousin Pausanias's son, Pleistoanax, became the new King of Sparta. Pleistarchus had no known close family members left after he died, which meant his direct family line ended.
