Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)

For other uses, see Battle of Mantinea.
Battle of Mantinea
Part of the Theban–Spartan War
Date4 July 362 BC
Location
Near Mantineia, Arcadia
37°36′N 22°24′E / 37.6°N 22.4°E / 37.6; 22.4
Result

Theban tactical victory[1]

Strategic draw
Belligerents
  • Sparta
  • Athens
  • Elis
  • Mantineia
  • Achaeans
  • Arcadians loyal to Sparta
    • Commanders and leaders
    Epaminondas †
    Daiphantus †
    Iolaidas †    		 Agesilaus II
    Strength
    25,000–30,000 men[2] 20,000 hoplites
    2,000 cavalry[3]
    Casualties and losses
    6,000 12,000
    Battle of Mantinea (362 BC) is located in Greece
    Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)
    class=notpageimage|
    Location of the battle near Mantinea

    The Battle of Mantinea was fought on 4 July 362 BC between the Thebans, led by Epaminondas and supported by the Arcadians, Argives, Messenians, Thessalians, and the Boeotian league against the Spartans, led by King Agesilaus II and supported by the Eleans, Athenians, Euboeans, and Mantineans.[4] The battle was to determine which of the two alliances would dominate Greece. However, the death of Epaminondas and his intended successors would cost Thebes the military leadership and initiative to maintain Theban supremacy in the region. Similarly, the Spartans were weakened by yet another defeat and loss of troops. Epaminondas' death coupled with the impact on the Spartans of yet another defeat weakened both alliances, and paved the way for Macedonian conquest led by Philip II of Macedon.

    Troop formations of the Theban and Spartan armies at the Battle of Leuctra. Epaminondas used a similar oblique formation at Mantinea.
    1. ^ Buckler, p. 219.
    2. ^ Buckler, p. 217.
    3. ^ Buckler, p. 213.
    4. ^ Mackil, Emily Maureen. Creating a common polity: Religion, economy, and politics in the making of the Greek Koinon. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, 2016. 82 Fn 49