Four kings of this name reigned at different periods in Sparta. The first of the name was the son of Eurysthenes, and is supposed to have reigned about 1032 B.C. The designation of Helots, is said to have had its rise in his time, from the unsuccessful revolt and final enthralment of the inhabitants of Helos by the Spartans.

Agis II. succeeded his father Archidamus, and reigned from 427 to 399 B.C. He was an able and successful general, and headed the Spartans at the great and decisive battle of Mantinea.

Agis II. succeeded his father Archidamus VI. B.C. 338. He took an active part in the league of the Grecian states against Alexander the Great, and at the head of their forces defeated a Macedonian army under Corragus. He was slain about 331 B.C., in a battle with Antipater, under the walls of Megalopolis.

Agis IV., son of Eudamidas II., and lineally descended from Agesilaus II., succeeded his father B.C. 244, and reigned four years. The degenerate state of the Spartan commonwealth moved him to attempt a reformation by restoring the institutions of Lycurgus, and, in the spirit of a true reformer, he set the example in his own person and household. His excellent intentions were seconded by all the younger and poorer portion of the community; but the rich and luxurious were vehemently opposed to measures which threatened to interfere so seriously with their influence and pleasures. His colleague, Leonidas, headed the opposition, and busily propagated the suspicion that Agis aspired to tyranny, by levelling the just distinctions of society, and increasing the power of the multitude. Agis was supported by the influence of his uncle Agesilaus, who, being deeply in debt, was highly favourable to the proposed changes. Lysander and Mandrocles, two of the ephori, were also strenuous promoters of the reform. When the time came for Agis to propose in the senate a general discharge of debts, and a new division of lands, the measure was lost by a minority of one. The triumph of Leonidas, however, was short. Being accused by Lysander of having violated the laws, he took refuge in the temple of Minerva, and refusing to appear in his own defence, was degraded from his dignity, and banished to Tegrea. His son-in-law, Cleombrotus, was elected in his stead. The next election of ephori proved unfavourable to the party of Agis. Lysander and Mandrocles were tried for innovation, but succeeded in persuading the two kings to eject the new magistrates out of office, which was effected in the midst of much tumult. The reformation might now have been established, but for the intrigues of Agesilaus, whose selfish schemes counteracted the good intentions of the two kings. At this time the Achaeans sent to Sparta for assistance in the war with the Eottians, which was granted. Agis received the command of the troops, and conducted the campaign with much reputation. On his return, he found that the misconduct of Agesilaus had resulted in a revolution, and the recall of Leonidas. He took refuge in the temple of Minerva, Cleombrotus in that of Neptune. Leonidas contented himself with banishing his son-in-law, but resolved on the ruin of Ages. The unfortunate king was accordingly seized and cast into prison, whence he was brought to trial and sentenced to be strangled. His mother and grandmother in vain entreated to gain him a public hearing: they were insidiously permitted to visit him in prison, where they immediately after shared his fate.

Aesilas, a Greek poet of Argos, who accompanied Alexander the Great to Asia, and celebrated the praises of his patron in verses of the most contemptible quality. Q. Curtius, viii. 5.