# Demaratus

> Eurypontid king of Sparta from c.515 to 491 BC

**Wikidata**: [Q334478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q334478)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demaratus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/demaratus

## Summary
Demaratus was an ancient Spartan king of the Eurypontid dynasty who ruled from approximately 515 to 491 BC. He is best known for his role in Spartan leadership and for winning the Olympic chariot race, a prestigious honor in ancient Greece.

## Biography
- Born: c. 600 BC, Sparta, Greece
- Nationality: Spartan (Ancient Greece)
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Reigning as Eurypontid king of Sparta and winning the Olympic tethrippon (4-horse chariot) race
- Employer(s): Spartan monarchy
- Field(s): Ancient Greek royalty, military leadership, Olympic competition

## Contributions
Demaratus contributed to Spartan history through his reign and military leadership. He also achieved recognition in the ancient Olympic Games by winning the tethrippon, a 4-horse chariot race, which was one of the most prestigious events of the Games.

## FAQs
### Who was Demaratus?
Demaratus was a king of Sparta from the Eurypontid dynasty, ruling from around 515 to 491 BC. He was also known for his Olympic victory in the tethrippon event.

### What did Demaratus achieve during his reign?
During his reign, Demaratus was involved in Spartan governance and military decisions. He also gained fame by winning the Olympic tethrippon, a high-status athletic event.

### What is the significance of Demaratus's Olympic victory?
Demaratus won the tethrippon, a 4-horse chariot race, at the ancient Olympics, which was a major honor and demonstrated Spartan excellence in athletic and military prowess.

### When did Demaratus live and rule?
Demaratus lived from approximately 600 BC to 500 BC and ruled Sparta from about 515 BC to 491 BC.

## Why They Matter
Demaratus matters as a key figure in Spartan royal history, representing a period of significant political and military influence for Sparta. His Olympic victory also placed him among the elite of ancient Greek society, linking athletic achievement with royal status. His legacy reflects the values of leadership and honor central to Spartan culture.

## Notable For
- Reigning as Eurypontid king of Sparta from c. 515 to 491 BC
- Winning the Olympic tethrippon (4-horse chariot race), an elite athletic honor
- Being part of the Eurypontid royal line, one of the two Spartan kingships
- His name recorded in multiple encyclopedic and linguistic references including Greek, Latin, and modern language variations

## Body
### Early Life and Lineage
Demaratus was born around 600 BC into the Eurypontid royal family of Sparta. This dynasty was one of two royal houses that ruled Sparta concurrently, and Demaratus was a member by inheritance. His lineage connected him to Spartan nobility and placed him in the upper echelons of Greek society.

### Reign as King of Sparta
Demaratus ruled as one of the two Spartan kings from approximately 515 BC until 491 BC. His reign occurred during a time of increasing tension in the Greek world, particularly with the rise of Persian power. As a Eurypontid king, he would have been involved in Spartan governance, military decisions, and foreign policy.

### Olympic Achievement
Demaratus was recognized as an Olympic victor in the tethrippon, a 4-horse chariot race, one of the most prestigious events in the ancient Olympic Games. This victory elevated his status not only in Sparta but across the Greek world, as Olympic success was closely associated with divine favor and civic pride.

### Political Context and Exile
His reign ended around 491 BC, likely due to political conflict or disagreement with Spartan authorities. Following his rule, Demaratus eventually went into exile, possibly due to disputes over succession or political alliances. He is later reported to have advised Xerxes during the Persian invasion of Greece, indicating a complex relationship with Spartan interests.

### Legacy and Cultural References
Demaratus is remembered in historical texts and encyclopedic references across multiple languages and cultures:
- Greek: Δημάρατος της Σπάρτης
- Latin: Demaratus
- English: Demaratus
- Alternate spellings and transliterations include "Damarato", "Demarato di Sparta", and identifiers such as Demar480 and Demaratus in Wikidata and other databases.

### Death
Demaratus died around 500 BC, though the exact circumstances and location of his death are not fully detailed in surviving sources.

### Historical Significance
Demaratus represents a transitional period in Spartan history, where the balance of power, military strategy, and royal legitimacy were under constant negotiation. His Olympic victory and royal status made him a symbol of Spartan excellence, while his eventual exile reflects the volatile nature of ancient Greek politics.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.sportolimpico.it/dmdocuments/GO-ANTICHI-2.pdf)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Enciclopedia Treccani