Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)

Belligerents

• Thebes and Boeotian League
• Tegea, Megalopolis and other Arcadian allies of Thebes
• Argos
• Thessalian allies of Thebes
• Messene
• Euboeans
• Sicyon
• Locrain allies of Thebes
• Aenianians
• Malians

Athens and Second Athenian League

Mantineia

Sparta

Elis

Achaeans

Commanders and leadersEpaminondas†
Daiphantus †
Iolaidas † Cephisodorus of Marathon †
Podares of Mantinea †Strength 25,000–30,000 men
3,000 cavalry 20,000 hoplites
2,000 cavalry
including 6,000 Athenians and 1,000 SpartansCasualties and losses 6,000 12,000

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, Euboeans and the Boeotian league against the Spartans, Eleans, Athenians, and Mantineans. 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's 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.