Cleomenes I (6th century BCE)

Question 1

Who was Cleomenes III?

Answer 1

A Spartan king who ruled from 235 BCE and attempted significant reforms in Sparta.

Question 2

When did Cleomenes III become king of Sparta?

Answer 2

235 BCE

Question 3

Who were Cleomenes III’s parents?

Answer 3

King Leonidas II and Cratesicleia

Question 4

What was Cleomenes III’s most notable achievement?

Answer 4

His sweeping social, political, and military reforms in Sparta, including land redistribution and debt cancellation.

Question 5

Cleomenes III is often compared to which legendary Spartan lawgiver?

Answer 5

Lycurgus

Question 6

What system did Cleomenes III restore in Sparta?

Answer 6

The agoge, the traditional Spartan education system.

Question 7

Why did Cleomenes III abolish debts and redistribute land?

Answer 7

To address inequality and restore the traditional system of citizen-soldiers in Sparta.

Question 8

What external force defeated Cleomenes III?

Answer 8

The Macedonian king Antigonus III Doson at the Battle of Sellasia in 222 BCE.

Question 9

What were the key reforms Cleomenes III implemented in Sparta?

Answer 9

Land redistribution, abolition of debts, military restructuring, and restoring the agoge.

Question 10

In what historical period did Cleomenes III live?

Answer 10

The Hellenistic Period, following the death of Alexander the Great.

Question 11

Where did Cleomenes III flee after his defeat?

Answer 11

He fled to Egypt after his defeat at the Battle of Sellasia.

Question 12

How did Cleomenes III’s life end?

Answer 12

He took his own life after being imprisoned in Egypt.

Question 13

What was the result of the Battle of Sellasia for Sparta?

Answer 13

Cleomenes III was defeated, and Sparta’s efforts to reform and regain power were thwarted.

Question 14

What challenge did Cleomenes III face from within Sparta?

Answer 14

Opposition from the wealthy elites who resisted his land redistribution reforms.

Question 15

What was the external challenge Cleomenes III faced during his reign?

Answer 15

Opposition from the Achaean League and Macedon.

Question 16

Why is Cleomenes III remembered as a tragic figure?

Answer 16

He attempted to revive Spartan society but was ultimately defeated and failed to achieve lasting reform.

Question 17

What happened to Cleomenes III in Egypt?

Answer 17

He was initially welcomed but later imprisoned, leading to his suicide.

Question 18

How is Cleomenes III’s reign viewed in terms of his legacy?

Answer 18

He is seen as one of the last great Spartan reformers, remembered for his radical reforms and attempts to restore Spartan equality.

Question 19

How did Cleomenes III gain support from the lower classes?

Answer 19

By canceling debts and redistributing land.

Question 20

Cleomenes III’s reforms were similar to those of which Roman reformer?

Answer 20

Tiberius Gracchus.

Question 21

Which Spartan system did Cleomenes III revive to maintain military readiness?

Answer 21

The agoge, which trained young Spartans as warriors.

Question 22

After which battle did Cleomenes III flee Sparta?

Answer 22

The Battle of Sellasia in 222 BCE.

Question 23

What was Cleomenes III’s mother’s role in his political life?

Answer 23

Cratesicleia was a loyal supporter, accompanying him to Egypt after his defeat.

Question 24

What lesser-known fact about Cleomenes III adds humor to his life story?

Answer 24

He tried to escape captivity in Egypt by disguising himself in a festival actor’s costume.