Aristocrates of Sparta (Ἀριστοκράτης ὁ Λακεδαιμόνιος) was a Spartan author of the 4th century BCE. He is known solely as the writer of a historical work, with no details of his life or background preserved [1][2].

His only known work is the History of Arcadia (Ἀρκαδικά or Τὰ κατὰ Ἀρκαδίαν), which is now lost. It survives in fragments, primarily through quotations by the later geographer Pausanias. The prose work, composed in the Doric dialect, focused on Arcadian myths, history, and customs [1][2].

Aristocrates is significant as a source for later antiquarians. Pausanias cites him extensively in his Description of Greece as an authority on Arcadian traditions, thereby preserving regional Peloponnesian lore [1][2].

Sources 1. Perseus Digital Library: Entry for "Aristocrates (2)" in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aentry%3Daristocrates-bio-2 2. ToposText: Fragmentary author entry for Aristocrates of Sparta. https://topostext.org/people/1440