Reforms of Agis and Cleomenes: What Happened
In the 3rd century BC, two Spartan kings tried to restore Sparta's former greatness through radical reforms. By this time, Sparta had declined badly. Land and wealth had become concentrated in the hands of a few families, and the number of full Spartan citizens had fallen to around 700. Around 245 BC, the young king Agis IV proposed canceling debts and dividing the land into equal plots, restoring the old ideal of a community of equal citizen-soldiers. The debts were canceled, but the land reform stalled, and Agis was arrested and executed by his opponents in 241 BC. A few years later, King Cleomenes III took up the cause more forcefully. In 227 BC, he staged a coup, killed the ephors, abolished their office, canceled debts, redistributed land and enrolled new citizens to rebuild the army. His reforms revived Spartan military power, and he challenged the Achaean League for control of the Peloponnese. Alarmed, the League turned to Macedon for help, and Cleomenes' revolution ended with his defeat at Sellasia in 222 BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Agis IV and Cleomenes III?
Agis IV and Cleomenes III were Spartan kings of the 3rd century BC who tried to restore Sparta's former greatness through radical social and economic reforms.
Why did Sparta need reform?
Land and wealth had become concentrated in a few families, and the number of full Spartan citizens had fallen to around 700, leaving Sparta weak.
What did Agis IV try to do?
Around 245 BC, Agis IV proposed canceling debts and dividing land into equal plots. The debts were canceled, but he was arrested and executed by his opponents in 241 BC.
What did Cleomenes III do?
In 227 BC, Cleomenes staged a coup, abolished the ephors, canceled debts, redistributed land and enrolled new citizens, reviving Spartan military power.
How did the reforms end?
Cleomenes' success alarmed the Achaean League, which turned to Macedon for help. He was defeated at Sellasia in 222 BC, and many of his reforms were undone.
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