Lycomedes (died 366 BC), known through

Xenophon Xenophon of Athens (; grc, Ξενοφῶν ; – probably 355 or 354 BC) was a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian, born in Athens. At the age of 30, Xenophon was elected commander of one of the biggest Greek mercenary armies o ...

, was a Mantinean politician, who led the effort to found the

Arcadian League The Arcadian League ( grc, ) was a league of city-states in ancient Greece. It combined the various cities of Arcadia, in the Peloponnese, into a single state. The league was founded in 370 BC, taking advantage of the decreased power of Sparta ...

in 371 and 370 BC, and was the dominant political figure of that league until his death in 366 BC; John Fine has described him as the most effective leader of the league.

records that he won the support of the Arcadians by reminding them that they were the only autochthonous people of the Peloponnese, and by praising their bravery and strength. Throughout his career, he supported policies intended to free Arcadia from dependence on outside forces. In 366 BC, Lycomedes persuaded the Arcadians to seek an alliance with Athens, attempting to balance the strength of Thebes. Lycomedes was sent to

Athens Athens ( ; el, Αθήνα, Athína ; grc, Ἀθῆναι, Athênai (pl.) ) is both the capital and largest city of Greece. With a population close to four million, it is also the seventh largest city in the European Union. Athens dominates ...

to negotiate this alliance; during his return, his ship landed at a spot where a number of Arcadian exiles were living. Lycomedes was then killed by these exiles.Xenophon, ''Hellenica'' 7.4.2-3

References

*Fine, John V.A. ''The Ancient Greeks: A critical history'' (Harvard University Press, 1983) *

Footnotes

4th-century BC Greek politicians Ancient Mantineans 4th-century BC Greek people 366 BC deaths Year of birth unknown {{AncientGreece-bio-stub