Epaminondas

Epaminondas

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Quick Facts

Victory over Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra
Reshaping the political landscape of ancient Greece

Broke Sparta forever at Leuctra. Theban general who invented the oblique order and changed warfare.

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Life Journey

418 BCBorn in Thebes, Boeotia

Epaminondas was born into a prominent but impoverished Theban family.

400 BCBegins philosophical studies

Epaminondas studies philosophy and mathematics under the guidance of Lysis of Tarentum, a Pythagorean philosopher.

395 BCServes in Theban army

Epaminondas joins the Theban military, beginning his career in the ranks of the army.

387 BCDefends Thebes against Spartan invasion

Epaminondas plays a key role in defending Thebes against a Spartan invasion, demonstrating his military prowess.

382 BCMarries and starts a family

Epaminondas marries and begins a family, settling into a more stable personal life.

379 BCContributes to liberating Thebes from Spartan garrison

Epaminondas helps lead the resistance that expels the Spartan garrison from Thebes, a significant political and military achievement.

378 BCBecomes a leading Theban statesman

Epaminondas rises to a prominent position in Theban politics, advocating for a strong and independent Thebes.

371 BCVictory at the Battle of Leuctra

Epaminondas leads Thebes to a decisive victory over Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra, reshaping the balance of power in Greece.

370 BCExpands Theban influence in the Peloponnese

Following the victory at Leuctra, Epaminondas leads expeditions to liberate Arcadia and establish a Theban alliance in the Peloponnese.

369 BCFounds Megalopolis

Epaminondas founds the city of Megalopolis in Arcadia, consolidating Theban influence in the region.

368 BCEducates young Theban leaders

Epaminondas mentors and educates young Theban leaders, ensuring the continuity of Theban leadership and military excellence.

367 BCNegotiates peace with Athens

Epaminondas negotiates a peace treaty with Athens, aligning Thebes with other Greek city-states against Sparta.

365 BCDefeats Spartan forces at the Battle of Mantinea

Epaminondas leads Thebes to victory over a coalition of Spartan and allies at the Battle of Mantinea, further solidifying Theban dominance.

362 BCFalls in the Battle of Mantinea

Epaminondas is mortally wounded in the Battle of Mantinea, dying on the battlefield while leading his troops to victory.

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