When the boy that his argument would not sway Aristodemus, in order to save the girl's life, he declared that she was pregnant by him, and therefore no longer a virgin.
But Euphaes, king of Messenia, persuaded the Messenians, who wanted to kill the boy who in their judgment had been the cause of the girl's death, that the command of the oracle was fulfilled, and as he was supported by the Aepytids, the people accepted his decision.
[1][2][3] When the news of the oracle and the manner of its fulfillment became known at Sparta, the Spartans were despondent, and for five years they refrained from attacking the Messenians, until at last some favorable signs in the sacrifices encouraged them to undertake a fresh campaign against Ithome.
The Spartans now endeavored to achieve by fraud what they had been unable to accomplish in the field, and their success convinced Aristodemus that his country was headed for destruction.
In his despair he committed suicide on the tomb of his daughter, and a short time after, in 722 BCE, the Messenians were obliged to recognize the domination of the Spartans.