The Spartan Revolution

Decline Overview

• Victory in the Peloponnesian War (404) preceded decline.

• Loss of Messenia at the Battle of Leuctra (371).

• Failed rising against Alexander in the late 330s.

Internal Issues

• Unequal wealth distribution: land concentrated in few hands, often women.

• Inability to maintain military strength due to dwindling citizen numbers.

• Failed land-tenure system leading to population decline.

Key Figures

• Agis IV (244-241): Proposed reforms including debt cancellation and land redistribution; was deposed and executed.

• Cleomenes III (c. 235-222): Sought to revitalize Sparta; implemented reforms after eliminating opposition.

Cleomenes' Reforms

• Eliminated opposition and enacted debt cancellation and property redistribution.

• Extended citizenship and restored traditional Spartan systems like the agoge.

• Reforms aimed to strengthen military against the Achaean League.

War and Aftermath

• Initial success against Achaea, gaining support from Argos and Corinth.

• Alliance shift led to Macedonian intervention and defeat at Sellasia (222).

• Resulted in the end of traditional dual kingship and Macedonian re-entry into the Peloponnese.