Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)

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Battle of Mantinea
Part of the Theban–Spartan War
Date 4 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
Thebes Boeotian League Tegea Arcadian allies of Tegea Argos Thessalian allies of Thebes Messene Euboeans Sicyon Locrain allies of Thebes Aenianians Malians	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
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.