The means by which Machanidas obtained the tyranny are unknown. He was probably at first associated with Pelops, son and successor of Lycurgus on the double throne of Sparta. He either eclipsed or expelled Lycurgus.
Machanidas' rise to power remains obscure. He was probably allied with Pelops, the son and successor of Lycurgus, who co-ruled Sparta from a dual throne. Machanidas may have eclipsed or displaced Lycurgus.