Cleóvas

Cleóvas was a Greek name borne by several individuals in antiquity, most notably associated with the legendary founders of the city of Cleonae in ancient Greece. The name derives from the Greek *Κλεόβας* (Kleóbas), meaning "glorious" or "famous."

The most prominent figure named Cleóvas was one of the Heraclidae, the descendants of Heracles (Hercules), who were said to have migrated from Thebes to the Peloponnese after the Trojan War. According to tradition, Cleóvas, along with his brothers Amphidamas and Eurysthenes, founded the city of Cleonae in the region of Argolis. The city was strategically located near the Isthmus of Corinth, making it a significant center during the Archaic and Classical periods.

Cleóvas is also referenced in the *Bibliotheca* of Pseudo-Apollodorus, where he is listed among the Heraclidae who took part in the invasion of the Peloponnese. His role in the founding of Cleonae is often tied to mythological narratives, blending historical settlement patterns with legendary storytelling. The city itself flourished as a military and commercial hub, particularly during the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, before declining in importance after the Peloponnesian War.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Cleonae was a fortified settlement with a temple complex, though much of its ancient infrastructure has since been lost. The name Cleóvas itself appears sporadically in historical records, primarily as a figure in myth rather than a documented historical leader. His legacy endures through the toponymy of the region, with Cleonae remaining a point of interest for scholars studying Greek colonization and early urban development.