Battle of Coronea (394 BCE)
Coronea, Boeotia, Greece
What happened
Sparta and its allies under King Agesilaus II faced an army of Thebes, Argos, Athens and other Greek cities. During the Corinthian War, Agesilaus was leading his army home toward the Peloponnese. A coalition army tried to block his way near Mount Helicon. The two lines of hoplite soldiers clashed, Agesilaus was wounded, and the Spartan side won.
Why it matters
It was a Spartan victory in the Corinthian War, which began in 395 BCE when Greek cities, backed by Persia, joined together against Sparta. The next day the Thebans asked for a truce to collect their dead, which by Greek custom meant admitting defeat.
What came next
Agesilaus gave out awards for bravery, then took his army to Phocis and on into Locris.
Did you know?
Before the battle, Agesilaus told his soldiers that the Spartan fleet had won at Cnidus, although he knew it had lost to the Persian fleet.
Timeline
- 395 BCEThe Corinthian War begins.
- 394 BCESpartan fleet defeated at Cnidus.
- 394 BCEBattle of Coronea; Agesilaus is wounded.
- 394 BCEThe Spartan army withdraws to Phocis, then invades Locris.