A MonarchS Legacy Continues Hail To The New Sovereign
The ancient Greek throne was a precarious seat of power, often changing hands swiftly. Such was the fate of King Anaxandridas II of Sparta, whose reign came to an end around 520 BCE. In the wake of his passing, a royal drama unfolded as Cleomenes, his eldest son by his second wife, ascended to the throne. This succession sparked a bitter family dispute, as Dorieus—the king’s first-born of his primary union—saw his claim to the crown disregarded.
In Spartan society, taking a second wife was an unusual practice, and Dorieus, born after considerable effort and time, believed his birthright was irrefutable. However, the Spartan populace cast their overwhelming support behind Cleomenes, igniting Dorieus’ ire. Feeling betrayed by his kin and country, a seething Dorieus chose to exile himself from Sparta, a poignant protest against the perceived injustice of his lost inheritance..