"Spartan Invincibility destroyed at Leuctra, 371 BC " Topic

"A millennium-and-a-half before Frederick the Great, Epaminondas of Thebes changes the face of warfare with the Oblique Attack; and destroyed the myth of Spartan invincibility forever!
The Peloponnesian War indisputably established Sparta as the paramount power in the Greek World. Though that long conflict had been waged, ostensibly, by Sparta to free the Greek city-states of the Delian League from Athenian dominance; the Spartan victory merely replaced Athenian hegemony with Spartan.

Though superb soldiers, the Spartans were educationally and temperamentally ill-equipped to deal with the subtleties of statecraft and diplomacy necessary for managing an empire. Over the next 33 years following the end of the Peloponnesian War, Sparta faced sporadic challenges from the other leading Greek states; with coalitions forming against her and her interests. Of these, the Thebans were both the most implacable and the most dangerous.

Thebes had been an ally of Sparta against Athens; and had even pushed for the total destruction of that city after its surrender in 404 BC. However, the following year Thebes aided in the restoration of the Athenian democracy; rightfully perceiving a revived Athens as a counter-balance to Spartan power. Over the next two decades, she often found herself at odds with Sparta; culminating in defeat in the Corinthian War, after which her Boeotian League (through which Thebes exercised leadership over the other Boeotian cities) was dissolved. The crowning agony came in 382 BC, when a Spartan force treacherously seized and occupied the city; establishing once again a oligarchical government…"
Full article here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Boo! The very memory of Leuctra makes me sad. Lousy Thebans….

Interesting painting, although I'd not personally buy into the idea that Spartan hoplites typically went into battle unarmored save for a pilos helmet and shield. Just doesn't make sense. That's just asking to be beaten by a heavier foe, like the Persian Wars meant nothing to them.

Agree with you my friend.

Amicalement
Armand

I think it is more a case of well done to the outnumbered Thebans!

It also shows that nothing is forever and that someone will always come along to beat the unbeatables, whatever the period.

And well done to Tango01 for bringing up this article. A short but very enjoyable read.