Herodotus and the Spartan King Lists

Herodotus took over from Hecataeus the Spartan king lists which were compiled some time during the reign of Demaratus (c. 510-491 B.C.). In order to give the genealogies of Leonidas and Leotychides, Herodotus altered four names on these lists. These tables were based on a 40 year generation, contrary to II.142.2 in which place Herodotus states that he uses a 331/3 year generation. In addition to the king lists there are several other passages which seem to be based on a 40 year generation, showing that Herodotus was considerably influenced by the chronological system of Hecataeus.