Theban Hegemony and Rise of Macedon

Prelude The Thebans reinstituted the Boeotian league Became Democratic Sparta decided that they must be destroyed

The Numbers Thebans and Allies Spartans and Allies 6,000 hoplites 1,500 Calvary 300 Sacred Band 10,000 hoplites 1,000 Calvary 700 Spartans

Sacred Band Elite Theban force 150 pairs of male lovers 300 in total

Epaminondas Revered by history but lost in modern times General and Statesman

Traditional Hoplite Warfare 8-12 rows deep Advance together Best troops on the right as a place of honor

Epaminondas Placed Elite troops (sacred band) on the left Left wing stacked 50 men deep Right wing thinner and staggered

These became known as oblique order echelon formation

Battle of Leuctra (371 BC)

The Battle Spartan right cracked under pressure 1,000 died including 400 Spartans Remainder fled seeing the Spartans defeated

Strategic Victory Encouraged the Arcadian league and building of Megalopolis Conquered and rebuilt Messenia, freeing 50% of Sparta’s helots Forever destroying Sparta's power base

Results More Battles followed Sapped the power of Greece Opened the door for outside forces

Rise of Macedonia

Philip II Grew up a hostage in Thebes Studies under Epaminondas Modified his formations

Macedonian Phalanx Professionally drilled Carried 18 ft. Sarissa First 5 rows had spears down Later rows had at 45 degrees to deflect missiles Light Armor to increase speed

Companion Calvary The unit of choice, hammer to the phalanx anvil Wore bronze armor Used Flying Wedge to destroy the right flank Followed by elite infantry Left flank covered by defensive “allied Calvary”

Goals Originally wanted to conquer Balkans Needed to unite Greece first Used destroying Persia as motivation United at Battle of Chaeronea

Battle of Chaeronea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =-0YsoaN__8U

Before he could invade Persia, Phillip murdered Alexander III becomes king