Chaeronea, Battle of

Battle in which the Macedonian army, under Philip II, won a decisive victory over the confederated Greek army (mainly Athenians and Thebans) in 338 BC. The battle marked the end of Greek independence and its subjection to Philip II of Macedon.

The 30,000 foot soldiers of the Macedonians held the Athenians while 2,000 cavalry, led by Alexander (the future Alexander the Great), charged the Thebans, who broke and ran, with the exception of their famous ‘Sacred Band’ who fought to the last. The cavalry then wheeled to take the Athenians in the flank and rear while the Macedonian foot soldiers made their advance. The Thebans were annihilated and 6,000 Athenians were killed.

Chaeronea, a city near Thebes in Boeotia, central Greece, was also the site of Sulla's victory over the army of Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, 86 BC. It was also the birthplace of Plutarch. There are extensive remains, including the marble lion which was erected over the burial place of the Boeotians who were killed in the battle of 338 BC.