 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2013) |
| Archidamus II | |
|---|---|
 Archidamos,1629 woodprint | |
| King of Sparta | |
| Reign | 469/8–427/6 BC (42 years)[1] |
| Predecessor | Leotychidas II |
| Successor | Agis II |
| Died | 427/426 BC |
| Spouse | Eupolia |
| Issue | Agis II Agesilaus II Cynisca |
| Greek | Ἀρχίδαμος |
| Dynasty | Eurypontid |
| Father | Zeuxidamus |
Archidamus II (‹See Tfd›Greek: Ἀρχίδαμος Archídāmos; died 427/6 BC) was a king of Sparta who reigned from approximately 469/8 BC to 427/6 BC. His father was Zeuxidamus (called Cyniscos by many Spartans). Zeuxidamus married and had a son, Archidamus. However, Zeuxidamus died before his father, Leotychidas.
After the death of his son and heir, Leotychidas married Eurydame, the sister of Menius and daughter of Diactorides. While they had no male offspring, they did have a daughter, Lampito, whom Leotychidas gave in marriage to his grandson Archidamus. They had a son Agis II.
Archidamus' later second marriage was to Eupolia. The Ephors objected to this union, arguing that due to Eupolia's short stature, “She will bear us kinglets instead of kings”. He married her nonetheless and was for that fined by the Ephors.[2]
To them were born a son, Agesilaus II, and a daughter, Cynisca.
- ^ McQueen & Rowe, p. 11.
- ^ thehistorianshut (2018-06-09). "King Archidamus II Was Fined By The Spartan Ephors Because They Thought His Wife Was Too Short". The Historian's Hut. Retrieved 2021-11-18.