title: Leon of Sparta
text: # Leon of Sparta
  
  Leon (Greek: Λέων) was the 14th Agiad dynasty King of Sparta, ruling from 590 BC to 560 BC.
  
  ## Name
  
  Leon means "lion". The grandson of Leon had a similar name: Leonidas.
  
  ## Biography
  
  Leon is mentioned in the seventh book of The Histories by Herodotus.
  
  He is said to have, like his father, fought to a draw with the Tegeans.
  
  Grandfather to Leonidis (famous king)
  
  ## Family
  
  Leon was the son of king Eurycratides and grandson of Anaxander.
  
  He was succeeded on the throne by his son Anaxandridas II, who managed to defeat Tegea.
  
  