Arcesilaus II.
4. son of Battus II., was surnamed "the oppressive" (
Χαλεπός), from his attempting probably to substitute a tyranny for the Cyrenaean constitution, which had hitherto been similar to that of Sparta.
It was perhaps from this cause that the dissensions arose between himself and his brothers, in consequence of which the latter withdrew from Cyrene, and founded Barca, at the same time exciting the Libyan tribes to revolt from Arcesilaus, who, in his attempt to quell this rebellion, suffered a signal defeat at Leucon or Leucoe, a place in the region of Marmarica.
He met his end at last by treachery, being strangled by his brother or friend, Learchus. His wife, Eryxo, however, soon after avenged his death by the murder of his assassin. His reign lasted, according to some, from 560 to 550 B. C.; according to others, from 554 to 544. (
Hdt. 4.160; Diod.
Exc. de Virt. et Vit. p. 232; Plut.
de Virt. Mul. pp. 260, 261; Thrige, §§ 35, 37.)
