Cleomenes III

AncientEmperorSparta-260 — -219

Last great Spartan reformer king, died in exile.

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Quick Facts

Born

260 BCE

Died

219 BCE

Country

Sparta

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)53

Political (20%)45

Influence (20%)53

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)68

Strategy (15%)58

Total Score52.4

Cleomenes III — Complete Timeline

229 BC

Cleomenean WarWar◆ Major

Cleomenes III initiated a war against the Achaean League to restore Spartan hegemony in the Peloponnese. He won several battles, including the Battle of Mount Lycaeum and the Battle of Ladoceia, capturing many cities and expanding Spartan territory.

Cleomenean WarAchaean LeagueExpansion

Impact: regional

227 BC

Social Reforms in SpartaReform

Cleomenes III implemented radical reforms to revive Sparta's military strength. He abolished the ephorate, redistributed land, cancelled debts, and expanded the citizen body by enfranchising perioeci and helots. These reforms aimed to restore the Lycurgan system.

Spartan ReformLand RedistributionSocial Change

Impact: nationalprogressive

222 BC

Battle of SellasiaWar

Cleomenes III was decisively defeated by the combined forces of the Achaean League and Macedon under Antigonus III Doson at Sellasia. He fled to Egypt, and Sparta was forced to join the Hellenic League, ending his reforms and Spartan independence.

Cleomenean WarBattleDefeat

Impact: regionaltragic

219 BC

Death in ExilePolitical Action◆ Major

Cleomenes III was exiled in Egypt under the protection of Ptolemy III. After Ptolemy's death, he was placed under house arrest by Ptolemy IV. He attempted to lead a revolt in Alexandria, failed, and committed suicide.

ExileEgyptSuicide

Impact: nationaltragic