Lycomedes (Mantinea)
Encyclopedia
Lycomedes was a Mantinean politician who led the effort to found the Arcadian League
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. Xenophon
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
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.
Arcadian League
The Arcadian League was a federal 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, which had previously dominated and controlled Arcadia...
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. Xenophon
Xenophon
Xenophon , son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, also known as Xenophon of Athens, was a Greek historian, soldier, mercenary, philosopher and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates...
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
Arcadia
Arcadia is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the administrative region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the central and eastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It takes its name from the mythological character Arcas. In Greek mythology, it was the home of the god Pan...
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
Thebes, Greece
Thebes is a city in Greece, situated to the north of the Cithaeron range, which divides Boeotia from Attica, and on the southern edge of the Boeotian plain. It played an important role in Greek myth, as the site of the stories of Cadmus, Oedipus, Dionysus and others...
. Lycomedes was sent to Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
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.