Epaminondas

Epaminondas was a Theban statesman and general whose victories over Sparta in the fourth century BCE made Thebes a major Greek power.

Battle of Leuctra: A battle in 371 BCE where Thebes defeated Sparta, ending its reputation for military invincibility. Epaminondas helped command the Theban victory that began Sparta’s decline.
Oblique order: A military formation that concentrates strength on one wing to break an opposing line before the rest engages. At Leuctra, Epaminondas used a deep, powerful left wing against Sparta’s strongest troops.
Pelopidas: A Theban statesman and general who helped overthrow the Spartan-backed government in Thebes and fought beside Epaminondas. Pelopidas was Epaminondas’ close political and military partner in Theban resistance to Sparta.
Thebes: An ancient Greek city-state in Boeotia that became a leading power in the fourth century BCE. Epaminondas’ political career and military victories centered on his city.
Decline of Sparta: The erosion of Sparta’s military and political dominance during the fourth century BCE. Epaminondas’ victories and invasions exposed the limits of Spartan power.
Battle of Mantinea (362 BCE): A major Greek battle in 362 BCE in which Epaminondas won a tactical victory but was mortally wounded. His death at Mantinea ended his leadership and weakened Thebes’ gains.
Sacred Band of Thebes: An elite Theban infantry unit traditionally described as consisting of 150 male couples. The Sacred Band fought at Leuctra alongside the forces Epaminondas concentrated against Sparta.
Agesilaus II: A Spartan king who led campaigns during Sparta’s struggle to retain dominance in Greece. Agesilaus was a leading Spartan adversary during Epaminondas’ campaigns.
Spartan occupation of Thebes: The Spartan seizure of the Theban citadel in 382 BCE and the occupation that followed. The occupation helped provoke the revolt in which Epaminondas emerged as a leader.
Helot: A member of the unfree population of ancient Sparta, compelled to work for Spartan citizens. Messenian independence deprived Sparta of control over a population central to its economy.

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