Euphaes

Family: Messenian · Role: son and successor of Antiochus · First appears: Book 4 · Chapter 5

After Antiochus died, Euphaes succeeded him as king of the Messenians. In Book 4, Chapter 7, he kept the Messenians under arms and intensified their training; when the Lacedæmonians campaigned against them, he fortified their camp until they abandoned the campaign. In battle, his division broke the enemy line and routed Theopompus. Euphaes drew up the Messenians with Cleonnis in chief command, and later remarked to Antander that Theopompus showed as much bravery as his ancestor Polynices.

At Ithome, Euphaes recited the oracle calling for a virgin sacrifice from the Æpytidæ family. Afterwards, he persuaded the Messenians that the girl’s death fulfilled the oracle. In Book 4, Chapter 10, he was mortally wounded while rushing upon Theopompus and his staff; Antander was killed in battle while risking his life for Euphaes. Euphaes died not many days later, after thirteen years as king and at war with the Lacedæmonians throughout his reign. As he had no children, he left the choice of his successor to the people.