Battle of Leuctra
Boeotia
What happened
The Theban general Epaminondas, with Pelopidas leading an elite unit called the Sacred Band, faced the Spartan army of King Cleombrotus. Sparta demanded that Thebes break up its league of nearby cities, and when Thebes refused, a Spartan army marched in. Greek armies usually lined up 12 rows deep with their best troops on the right, but Epaminondas packed his left side about 50 rows deep and advanced at an angle. His strong left broke the Spartan line, Cleombrotus died, and the Spartan army retreated.
Why it matters
Result: Theban victory Beginning of the Theban hegemony. Leaders: Epaminondas / Pelopidas against Cleombrotus I. Why it matters: It ended Sparta's long run as the strongest land power in Greece and made Thebes the leading city-state. Its new way of arranging an army changed how battles in Greece were fought.
What came next
Sparta's alliance fell apart, its Messenian helots (an enslaved people) were freed, and new cities such as Messene and Megalopolis were founded. Theban leadership lasted until Epaminondas died at the Battle of Mantinea in 362 BCE.
Did you know?
After the battle, Epaminondas agreed to a truce so the Spartans could collect their fallen and wounded, rather than chasing the retreating army.
Timeline
- Early 4th century BCESparta demands that Thebes break up the Boeotian league of cities.
- 6 July 371 BCEThebes defeats the Spartan army at Leuctra.
- After 371 BCEThe Messenians are freed and the new city of Messene is founded.
- 362 BCEEpaminondas dies at the Battle of Mantinea.