Battle of Leuctra marks Theban victory from "summary" of The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
The Battle of Leuctra was a significant event in the history of ancient Greece, as it marked a decisive victory for Thebes over Sparta. The Thebans, led by their brilliant general Epaminondas, defeated the Spartan army in a pitched battle that changed the balance of power in the region. The victory at Leuctra was a turning point in the Peloponnesian War, signaling the decline of Spartan hegemony and the rise of Theban influence. The Thebans' success at Leuctra was due in large part to Epaminondas' innovative tactics and strategy. He deployed his troops in an oblique formation, with a strong left wing that smashed into the Spartan line and shattered their cohesion. This unorthodox maneuver caught the Spartans off guard and allowed the Thebans to exploit weaknesses in their enemy's formation. The result was a resounding victory for Thebes and a humiliating defeat fo...
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