The Boeotian War
During the winter of 379/378 BCE a group of Theban exiles were able to sneak into the city and, despite the 1500 Spartan garrison, succeed in liberating Thebes. On the next few years Sparta mounted 4 expeditions against Thebes which completely failed to bring Thebes to heel. Finally, the Greek city-states attempted a peace on the mainland by sending diplomats to meet with Agesilaus in Sparta. Epaminondas, the Theban diplomat, angered Agesilaus by arguing for the freedom of the non-Spartans of Laconia. Agesilaus then struck the Thebans out of the treaty. The ensuing Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC marked the end of Spartan hegemony. Agesilaus himself did not fight at Leuctra so as not to appear too belligerent.
Read more about this topic: Spartan Hegemony
Famous quotes containing the word war:
“I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.”
—George Washington (1732–1799)