People > Battus II of Cyrene

Battus II of Cyrene

Background

Battus II, also known as Battus the Prosperous or Battus Eudaimon, was the second king of Cyrene and a member of the Battiad dynasty. He ruled Cyrene in the mid-6th century BCE, following the reign of his father, Battus I, who founded the city. Battus II is noted for his efforts to expand and consolidate the colony, ensuring its prosperity and stability.

Reign and Achievements:

1. Expansion of Cyrene:

   • Encouraging Immigration: Battus II took significant steps to expand the population of Cyrene by encouraging immigration from mainland Greece. To achieve this, he invited settlers from other Greek city-states, offering them land and incentives to move to Cyrene.
   • Thucydides' Account: The historian Thucydides mentions that Battus II sought assistance from Delphi to recruit more settlers. The oracle at Delphi advised Greeks to move to Cyrene, leading to an influx of new settlers and increased manpower.

2. Military Campaigns:

   • Conflict with the Libyans: As the population of Cyrene grew, tensions with the indigenous Libyan tribes escalated. Battus II led military campaigns to secure more land for the settlers and to protect the colony from local resistance.
   • Battle of Irasa: One of the notable conflicts during his reign was the Battle of Irasa, where the Cyrenaeans, under Battus II's leadership, secured a decisive victory against the Libyans. This victory helped to solidify Cyrene's control over the surrounding region.

3. Economic Development:

   • Agriculture and Trade: Battus II continued to develop the agricultural base established by his father. The fertile lands of Cyrenaica were well-suited for growing grain, fruit, and the valuable silphium plant, which was a major export commodity.
   • Prosperity: The expansion of agricultural activities and the increase in population contributed to Cyrene's prosperity. The city became a significant economic hub in the region, facilitating trade with other Greek cities and neighboring civilizations.

4. Cultural Integration:

   • Greek and Libyan Relations: Battus II maintained the cultural integration initiated by his father, blending Greek and Libyan traditions. This cultural synthesis helped to create a unique identity for Cyrene, distinct from other Greek colonies.
   • Religious Practices: The settlers continued to establish temples and sanctuaries dedicated to Greek gods, while also respecting and incorporating local religious customs.

Legacy:

1. Dynastic Continuity:

   • Succession: Battus II was succeeded by his son, Arcesilaus II, who continued the Battiad dynasty's rule over Cyrene. The dynasty's continuity ensured that the policies and achievements of Battus II would have a lasting impact on the city's development.
   • Prosperous Reign: Battus II's efforts to expand and consolidate Cyrene laid the foundation for a period of prosperity and stability. His reign is often remembered as a time of growth and flourishing for the colony.

2. Historical Significance:

   • Expansion of Greek Colonization: Battus II's reign is significant in the context of Greek colonization. His successful efforts to expand Cyrene's population and territory exemplify the broader Greek efforts to establish and grow colonies across the Mediterranean and beyond.
   • Influence on Later Generations: The policies and achievements of Battus II influenced the subsequent rulers of Cyrene. His focus on expansion, economic development, and cultural integration set a precedent for future kings of the Battiad dynasty.

3. Cultural and Economic Impact:

   • Agricultural and Economic Development: The agricultural and economic policies implemented by Battus II ensured that Cyrene remained a prosperous and influential city. The cultivation of silphium, in particular, continued to be a significant aspect of the city's economy.
   • Cultural Contributions: Cyrene's growth under Battus II contributed to its cultural significance. The city became known for its contributions to Greek philosophy, science, and the arts, producing notable figures such as the philosopher Aristippus.

Battus II of Cyrene is remembered as a key figure in the early history of Cyrene, whose efforts to expand and develop the colony ensured its prosperity and stability. His reign marked a period of significant growth and consolidation, laying the foundation for the continued success of the Battiad dynasty and the city of Cyrene.

Sources

Herodotus, The Histories, Book 4.

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

Burn, A R. The Penguin History Greece, Penguin Books, Clay Ltd, St Ives P/C, England, 1990.

Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology: Abaeus-Dysponteus, edited by Sir William Smith

Cyrene at A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography, by William Smith (1873)