Table of Contents
What does Archidamus mean?
Historically, there were five kings of Sparta called Archidamus: a Greek name derived from the words αρχος (archos), which means ‘master’, and δαμος (damos), which means ‘the people’.
Who is king Archidamus?
Archidamus II, (died 427 bc), king of Sparta from about 469. A member of the Eurypontid house (one of the two royal families of Sparta), he succeeded to the throne of his grandfather, Leotychides.
When was king Archidamus born?
Archidamus was born in Sparta in 498 BC, the son of Zeuxidamus and the grandson of King Leotychidas. His father predeceased his grandfather, so he inherited the Spartan throne on Leotychidas’ banishment in 476 BC.
What is King Archidamus warning his fellow Spartans will happen if Sparta goes to war with Athens?
The conflict with Athens was renewed in 431. During the negotiations that resulted in the declaration of war, Archidamus warned the Spartans and their allies against ill-conceived judgments and tried to prevent or postpone the conflict, which, he said, “they would bequeath to their children”.
What was Herodotus opinion of the Spartans?
Both emphasized that Athens faced the crisis unafraid. Herodotus pointed out, as the Athenians did not, that the Spartans would have fought bravely and died nobly. But they would have lost. It was not their own tactical errors that defeated the Persians, but the resolution of Athens.
What does the speaker mean by saying that the Spartans are not entirely free?
One against one, they (the Spartans) are as good as anyone in the world. But when they fight in a body, they are the best of all. For, though they are free men, they are not entirely free. They accept Law as their master. And they respect this master, Law, more than your subjects respect you.
Did Sparta believe in democracy?
The assembly also passed laws and made decisions for war. In practice, the assembly’s power was strictly limited by the formal or informal power of the Ephors and the Gerousia who decided what matters could come before the Assembly and who could veto its decisions. As a result, Sparta was in no way a democracy.