Demaratus in the context of "Ariston of Sparta"

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⭐ Core Definition: Demaratus

Demaratus (Greek: Δημάρατος, Demaratos; Doric: Δαμάρατος, Damaratos) was a king of Sparta from around 515 BC to 491 BC. He was the 15th ruler of the Eurypontid dynasty and the firstborn son of King Ariston. During his reign, Demaratus is best known for his opposition to his co-ruler, King Cleomenes I of the Agiad dynasty. This rivalry ultimately led to his dethronement around 491 BC, following Cleomenes's accusations of illegitimacy and political maneuvering.

After his removal from power, Demaratus sought refuge in the Achaemenid Empire, where he was welcomed by King Darius I. He was granted land and cities in Asia Minor, integrating him into Persian society while retaining his influence. Demaratus served as an advisor to Xerxes I during the Second Persian invasion of Greece, providing strategic insights about Greek military tactics.

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👉 Demaratus in the context of Ariston of Sparta

Ariston (Ancient Greek: Ἀρίστων) was a king of Sparta, 14th of the Eurypontid kings, son of Agasicles, and contemporary of the Agiad king, Anaxandrides II. He reigned from approximately 560 BC to shortly after 510 BC. There are two main sources for him, Herodotus and Pausanias.

Of his military or political activities we are told nothing.  He is known for Bering legal father of his successor, Damaratus, who was later deposed on suspicion illegitimate. As Herodotus told it, Ariston had married twice, but neither wife had borne him a child. He had a close friend named Agetus who had an exceedingly beautiful wife, and Ariston, having fallen in love with her, connived to trick his friend into trading this woman for anything among his belongings that Agetus might choose. Once married to her, she became pregnant, and a son was later born – but after 7 months.

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Demaratus in the context of Leotychidas

Leotychidas II (Ancient Greek: Λεωτυχίδας; Doric: Λατυχίδας Latychidas; c. 545 – c. 469 BC) was king of Sparta from 491–476 BC, alongside Cleomenes I and later Leonidas I and Pleistarchus. He led Spartan forces during the Persian Wars from 490–478 BC.

Born in Sparta around 545 BC, Leotychidas was a descendant of the Royal House of the Eurypontids (through Menamus, Agesilaus, Hippocratides, Leotychides, Anaxilaus, Archidamos, Anaxandridas I and Theopompus) and came to power in 491 BC with the help of the Agiad King Cleomenes I by challenging the legitimacy of the birth of Demaratus for the Eurypontid throne of Sparta. Later that year, he joined Cleomenes's second expedition to Aegina, where ten hostages were seized and given to Athens. However, after Cleomenes's death in 488 BC, Leotychidas was almost surrendered to Aegina.

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