ARCHIDAMUS, ar'ki-dalniis, the name of several kings of Sparta. I. The son of Anaxidamus, who lived during the Tegeatan War, which broke out soon after the termina tion of the second Messenian War, in the year 668 B.c. II. The son of Zeuxidamus, who suc ceeded to the throne in the year 469 B.C. In the fifth year of his reign there was an earth quake in Laconia which almost destroyed Sparta. In that trying period the foresight of Archidamus probably saved the surviving citi zens from being massacred by the Helots. In the discussions at Sparta and Corinth, which preceded the rupture with Athens, he acted a prominent part. and always as the advocate of peace and moderation. He survived the out break of the Peloponnesian War about five years, during which time he had the conduct of three expeditions against Attica and one against Platma. Archidamus died in the 42d year of his reign, 427 B.C. III. Son of Agesilaus II. While yet a boy he prevailed on his father to pardon Sphodrias, who had dared to make an irruption into Attica at a time of profound peace. In 371 B.C. he was
sent to the relief of his countrymen who had been vanished at Leuctra. In 367 B.c. he de feated the Arcadians and Argives in what the Spartans termed the 'Iscarless battle,'" because they had won it without the loss of a single man. Archidamus III appears to have, been a warlike prince, but he was neither a great gen eral nor a great statesman, and makes but a poor figure in either capacity after such kings as his father and grandfather. IV. Son of Eudamidas I and grandson of Archidamus HI, was. King of Sparta in 296 B.C. V. Son of Eudamidas II. Archidamus V was the last king of the Eurypontid race that reigned in Sparta. When he was killed the rights of his children were disregarded and his crown was given to a stranger.