Epaminondas (c. 420–362 BC)

Theban general and politician who together with Pelopidas won a decisive victory over the Spartans at Leuctra 371. He brought independence to Messenia and Arcadia, and consolidated Theban supremacy before dying from wounds received at the battle of Mantinea 362 BC.

In 369 Epaminondas invaded the Isthmus of Corinth, secured Sicyon for Thebes and founded Megalopolis in Arcadia. Twice again, in 366 and 362, he successfully invaded the Peloponnese. In the second of these campaigns he defeated the newly formed Spartan League at Mantinea, but was killed in the battle.