Source edition
Cornelius Nepos. Cornelii Nepotis Vitae. Fleckeisen, Alfred; Halm, Karl, editors. Leipzig: Teubner, 1886.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a biographical encomium depicting the life and virtues of the Spartan king Agesilaus II. The narrative begins with his accession to the throne with the support of Lysander. During his Persian expedition, Agesilaus demonstrates his piety by keeping his oaths and achieves brilliant victories through strategic ingenuity; however, upon receiving orders from his homeland, he humbly cuts his campaign short to return. In subsequent battles at Coroneia and Corinth, he shows profound compassion for fellow Greeks and refuses to destroy their cities. In his later years, as Sparta faces decline, he saves the city through quick-witted defense, contributes to its recovery by securing funds, and strictly maintains his traditional, frugal lifestyle. The work concludes with his death on his way back from an expedition to Egypt, presenting an enduring portrait of his patriotism and noble character.