A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

king of Sparta, 27th of the Eurypontids, was the son of Eudamidas II., and the brother of Agis IV. On the murder of his brother Agis, in B. C. 240, Archidamus fled from Sparta, but obtained possession of the throne some time after the accession of Cleomenes, through the means of Aratus, who wished to weaken the power of the Ephors : it appears that also was privy to his recall. Archidamus was, however, slain almost immediately after his return to Sparta, by those who had killed his brother and who dreaded his vengeance. It isdoubtful whether Cleomenes was a party to the murder. (Plut. Cleom. 1, 5; comp. Plb. 5.37, 8.1.) Archidamus V. was the last king of the Eurypontid race. He left sons, who were alive at the death of Cleomenes in B. C. 220, but they were passed over, and the crown given to a stranger, Lycurgus. (Plb. 4.35; Clinton, F. H. ii. Append. 100.3.)