Lycurgus

Also known as: Leobotes · Family: Athenian · Role: legislator · First appears: Book 1 · Chapter 8

Lycurgus, also called Leobotes, was the son of Aleus and brother of Amphidamas and Cepheus; Auge was their sister. After Aleus’s death, Lycurgus succeeded him as king because he was the eldest son. He became the father of Epochus and Ancæus, and the grandfather of Agapenor.

When Agesilaus was king, Lycurgus legislated for the Lacedæmonians. He replaced human sacrifice with flogging young men at the altar, and Alcander knocked out one of his eyes because he objected to Lycurgus’ legislation. Lycurgus built a temple to Athene the Eye-preserver. Later, Lachares plundered his silver and gold work while in power.

Lycurgus also served as regent to Labotas during his minority. In another account, Œnomaus killed Lycurgus among the suitors before Pelops defeated him.