cleomenes iii: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “cleomenes iii” mean?
King of Sparta from 235 to 222 BC, known for his revolutionary reforms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
King of Sparta from 235 to 222 BC, known for his revolutionary reforms.
A historical figure from ancient Sparta who attempted radical social and military reforms to restore Spartan power; often cited in studies of classical history, military strategy, and political revolution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage. Both British and American English treat it as a standard historical proper noun with identical spelling and reference.
Connotations
Connotes classical history, ancient military tactics, Spartan society, and failed revolutionary attempts. No variation between UK and US.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language. Used almost exclusively in academic, historical, or educational contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cleomenes iii” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + verb (reigned, attempted, instituted)the + reforms/ reign/policies + of + [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in history, classics, and political science texts discussing Spartan history, Hellenistic period reforms, or the Achaean League.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a specific historical reference in military history or classical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cleomenes iii”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cleomenes iii”
- Misspelling as 'Cleomenus' or 'Cleomenses'.
- Confusing him with Cleomenes I or II.
- Incorrect pronunciation placing stress on the second syllable (e.g., cle-OM-en-eez).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He was a king of Sparta from 235 to 222 BC, known for his ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful social and military reforms.
He redistributed land, cancelled debts, expanded the citizen body, and reorganized the Spartan army along Macedonian lines to restore its former power.
His expansionist policies led to conflict with the Achaean League. He was decisively defeated at the Battle of Sellasia in 222 BC and fled to Egypt, where he later died.
No, it is an ancient Greek name. In modern times, it is found almost exclusively in historical discourse relating to ancient Sparta.
King of Sparta from 235 to 222 BC, known for his revolutionary reforms.
Cleomenes iii is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Cleomenes iii: in British English it is pronounced /kliːˈɒmɪniːz ðə θɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kliˈɑːmɪniːz ðə θɜrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLEO' (like Cleopatra, another ancient ruler) + 'MENES' (sounds like 'means' to an end) + 'III' (the third). "Cleo means to be the third Spartan king to change things."
Conceptual Metaphor
A TARNISHED REFORMER: He is often conceptualized as a 'last hope' or a 'failed revolutionary' in the narrative of Sparta's decline.
Practice
Quiz
Cleomenes III is primarily associated with which ancient city-state?