Two Mysterious Threats in Herodotus (Hdt. 6.67.3, 69.5) and the Historians’ View of Contemporary Eurypontid Politics
| Autoři | |
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| Rok publikování | 2025 |
| Druh | Další prezentace na konferencích |
| Fakulta / Pracoviště MU | |
| Citace | |
| Popis | The author of this study argues that two relatively obscure passages in Herodotus’ Histories (6.67.3 and 6.69.5)—one spoken by Demaratus and the other conveyed through his mother—are intended to prompt the reader to reflect on Eurypontid policy during the Peloponnesian War. The impious and unlawful deposition of the king, orchestrated by his rival Cleomenes, and the subsequent insult delivered by Leotychidas, solidified Demaratus’ decision to leave Sparta. As the article shows, this decision serves as a kind of symbolic punishment directed at the entire Lacedaemonian state—a notion already hinted at in Demaratus’ own words. Following his departure, the Eurypontid line represented by Leotychidas remains in power for a considerable time, a rule that Herodotus reflects through the figure of Cleomenes, who had ensured their ascendancy. In Herodotus’ portrayal, the Eurypontids influenced by Cleomenes act in an unSpartan manner, and their decisions resemble those of the helots—a comparison subtly suggested through the statement of Demaratus’ mother. |
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