# Pausanias — History of the Peloponnesian War character guide

> Pausanias in History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** King Pausanias, Pausanias the Lacedaemonian

**First appearance:** 0002-book-i

## Snapshot

The Spartan regent who commanded the Greek victory at Plataea, then overreached into a treason trial that shadows Spartan politics.

## Who they are

Pausanias is remembered as the general who led the allied Greeks against Persia at Plataea, the great land victory of the Persian Wars. But his later conduct as a semi-independent commander in the Aegean, and his suspected dealings with Persia and with Helot rebels, brought him under suspicion at home. His fate becomes a cautionary precedent for Sparta about generals who grow too powerful abroad.

## Relationships

### [Archidamus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/archidamus)

_family_

Archidamus and Pausanias were both Spartan kings from the Agiad dynasty, with Pausanias being the son of Archidamus's predecessor, though their relationship was marked by political tension.

### [Artabazus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/artabazus)

_professional_

Artabazus, a Persian satrap, collaborated with Pausanias, the Spartan regent, in a plot to betray Greece to Persia, but their alliance ended in mutual suspicion.

### [Archidamus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/archidamus)

_family_

Archidamus and Pausanias were both Spartan kings from the Agiad dynasty, with Pausanias being the son of Archidamus's predecessor, though their relationship was marked by political tension.

## In the story

### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-i)

Mentioned as the Spartan regent who commanded the Greek forces at Plataea and later fell from favor.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/iv)

Sent as Spartan commander-in-chief; his violent behavior alienated the allies and prompted them to turn to Athens.

### [Second Congress at Lacedaemon: Preparations for War and Diplomatic Skirmishes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/v)

Recalled from command, he later engaged in secret negotiations with the Persian king, aspiring to rule Hellas.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/pausanias
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters