# Leotychides — Histories character guide

> Leotychides in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Leotychides the Lacedaemonian, Cleomenes Leotychides

**First appearance:** 0007-book-vi-erato

## Snapshot

Spartan king who inherits a command he never sought and must lead a coalition fleet against the Persians at Mycale.

## Who they are

Leotychides belongs to Sparta's dual kingship, a hereditary commander thrust into the role of leading Greek naval forces against the Persian remnants in Ionia. His authority depends on coalition politics: he must hold together Athenian, Corinthian, and other contingents whose loyalties shift with circumstance and bribery. He matters because the Greek counteroffensive after Salamis needs a figurehead who can translate Spartan prestige into unified action, and his decisions at Mycale determine whether the Ionian revolt can be reignited.

## Relationships

### [Demaratos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/demaratos)

_rivalry_

Demaratos and Leotychides are rival Spartan kings, with Leotychides usurping Demaratos's throne.

### [Demaratos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/demaratos)

_rivalry_

Demaratos and Leotychides are rival Spartan kings, with Leotychides usurping Demaratos's throne.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/leotychides
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