People > Arcesilaus II of Cyrene

Arcesilaus II of Cyrene

Background

Arcesilaus II of Cyrene, also known as Arcesilaus the Oppressor, was a king of Cyrene who ruled during the mid-6th century BCE. He was a member of the Battiad dynasty, which had established and ruled Cyrene since its founding. His reign is notable for its internal strife and the harsh measures he employed to maintain control over the city-state.

Background and Ascension:

1. Family Lineage:
   • Battiad Dynasty: Arcesilaus II was the grandson of Battus I, the founder of Cyrene, and the son of Battus II. The Battiad dynasty was well-established by the time of his rule, having secured Cyrene's position as a significant Greek colony in North Africa.
   • Succession: He succeeded his father, Battus II, continuing the dynastic rule of the Battiad family.

Reign and Policies:

1. Internal Strife:

   • Oppressive Rule: Arcesilaus II earned the epithet "the Oppressor" due to his harsh and often brutal methods of governance. His rule was marked by significant internal conflict and dissatisfaction among the citizens of Cyrene.
   • Political Repression: In response to challenges to his authority, Arcesilaus II employed severe measures to suppress dissent, including the execution and exile of political opponents. His oppressive tactics alienated many of the city's inhabitants and caused considerable unrest.

2. Economic and Social Policies:

   • Economic Struggles: His reign saw economic difficulties, partly due to the ongoing conflicts and the oppressive measures he used to maintain power. These economic challenges exacerbated the dissatisfaction of the population.
   • Public Discontent: The combination of economic hardships and political repression led to widespread public discontent, which further destabilized his rule.

Legacy and Downfall:

1. Exile and Assassination:

   • Forced into Exile: Due to the growing opposition and internal strife, Arcesilaus II was eventually forced into exile. He fled to Samos, an island in the Aegean Sea, seeking refuge.
   • Return and Assassination: After a period in exile, Arcesilaus II returned to Cyrene with the support of foreign allies. However, upon his return, he was assassinated by his opponents, bringing an end to his troubled reign.

2. Impact on Cyrene:

   • Dynastic Turmoil: His reign and the subsequent instability had lasting effects on the Battiad dynasty and Cyrene as a whole. The turmoil during his rule contributed to a period of political and social instability.
   • Historical Significance: Arcesilaus II's rule is often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of oppressive governance and the potential for internal conflict to undermine a ruler's authority.

Subsequent Developments:

1. Restoration and Succession:
   • Succession: Following his assassination, his son Battus III succeeded him. Battus III's reign was marked by attempts to restore stability and address the issues that had plagued his father's rule.
   • Reforms: Battus III, with the help of external mediators such as the Delphic Oracle, sought to implement reforms aimed at reconciling the factions within Cyrene and restoring order.

Arcesilaus II of Cyrene is remembered primarily for his harsh and repressive rule, which led to significant internal strife and ultimately his downfall. His reign serves as an example of the challenges faced by rulers who employ oppressive tactics to maintain power, and the long-term consequences such methods can have on a state and its governance.

Sources

Herodotus, The Histories, Book 4.

Morkot, R., The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece, Penguin Books, The Bath Press - Avon, Great Britain, 1996.