Charilaus, also given as Charillus, was a legendary king of Sparta in the early-mid 8th century BC. He is generally shown as the successor of his grandfather Eunomus, though Pausanias implies that Charilaus' father Polydectes preceded Charilaus[1].

Charilaus is perhaps best known as the ward and pupil of the Spartan reformer Lycurgus[2]. During his reign, the Spartans are purpoted to have invaded Argolis. The long-standing hostility with Tegea is also believed to date from Charilaus' reign[3].

Charilaus was succeeded by his son Nicander.

Notes

1. ^ Pausanias, tr. W.H.S. Jones and H.A. Ormerod (1918) Description of Greece. Robert Hale Ltd., London, Book 3, VII, 2.
   
2. ^ Plutarch, Lives: Lycurgus.
   
3. ^ Pausanias, tr. W.H.S. Jones and H.A. Ormerod (1918) Description of Greece. Robert Hale Ltd., London, Book 3, VII, 3.
   
   

References

• Pausanias, Description of Greece
  
• Plutarch, Lives: Lycurgus
  
  

Preceded by Eunomus

Eurypontid King of Sparta c.780-c.750

Succeeded by Nicander