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PlistoanaktKing of the Lacedaemonians from the Agid family, who reigned from 458 to 408. BC
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Plistoanax, King of Sparta
- Athenian Invasion and Betrayal
- Exile and Return
- Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Negotiations
- Military Campaign and Legacy
Plistoanax, King of Sparta
Early Life and RegencyPlistoanax, a descendant of the Agiad dynasty, ascended to the throne of Sparta in 458 BC. Upon assuming the kingship as a minor, his uncle Nicomedes served as his guardian.
Athenian Invasion and Betrayal
In 446 BC, Plistoanax led a Peloponnesian army to Attica. However, Athenian leader Pericles refused to engage in battle. Instead, he exploited Plistoanax's reliance on Cleandridas, appointed by the ephors to guide the young king. Through bribery and negotiation, Pericles convinced Cleandridas to withdraw the Peloponnesian forces from Attica.
Exile and Return
Upon the army's retreat, the Spartans imposed a heavy fine on Plistoanax for his actions. Unable to pay, he voluntarily went into exile. Cleandridas fled Sparta and was sentenced to death. For 19 years, Plistoanax lived on the border of Laconia and Arcadia, residing in a temple for protection.
Through a clever ruse involving the Delphic oracle, Plistoanax's brother Aristocles convinced the Spartans to restore him to the throne. He returned with great ceremony and was met with opposition from his detractors, who accused him of an illegal return.
Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Negotiations
Driven by the constant blame directed at him, Plistoanax sought a peaceful accord with Athens amid the ongoing Peloponnesian War. He believed that his enemies would cease to target him in times of peace and prosperity.
Following the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC, where opposing leaders Cleon and Brasidas were killed, peace negotiations commenced. In the following year, a peace treaty was signed.
Military Campaign and Legacy
In the same year, Plistoanax led a campaign against the Parrhasians, allies of the Mantineans. The Spartans ravaged their territory and destroyed their fortress at Cypsli. Afterwards, they granted the Parrhasians independence from Mantinea.
Plistoanax died in 408 BC after a long and eventful reign, marked by both military achievements and political challenges.
