Epaminondas (c. 418–362 BCE)

Question 1

When was Epaminondas born?

Answer 1

Around 418 BCE.

Question 2

Where was Epaminondas born?

Answer 2

In Thebes, Greece.

Question 3

Who was Epaminondas’ teacher, and what school did he belong to?

Answer 3

Lysis of Tarentum, a philosopher of the Pythagorean school.

Question 4

What battle is Epaminondas best known for?

Answer 4

The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE.

Question 5

What was the outcome of the Battle of Leuctra?

Answer 5

Epaminondas led Thebes to a decisive victory over Sparta, ending their dominance.

Question 6

What social group did Epaminondas help liberate after the Battle of Leuctra?

Answer 6

The Helots, who were enslaved by the Spartans.

Question 7

What was Epaminondas’ military innovation at the Battle of Leuctra?

Answer 7

The oblique phalanx formation, concentrating his forces on one flank.

Question 8

In which battle did Epaminondas die?

Answer 8

The Battle of Mantinea in 362 BCE.

Question 9

What was the major consequence of Epaminondas’ death?

Answer 9

It marked the end of Theban dominance in Greece.

Question 10

What philosophical school influenced Epaminondas?

Answer 10

The Pythagorean school.

Question 11

How did Epaminondas’ lifestyle differ from other Greek leaders?

Answer 11

He lived a simple and modest life, avoiding luxuries.

Question 12

Who were the Helots that Epaminondas liberated?

Answer 12

They were an enslaved population under Spartan control.

Question 13

What city-state’s dominance did Epaminondas end with his military victories?

Answer 13

Sparta.

Question 14

Which Greek statesman and general reshaped the balance of power in Greece in the 4th century BCE?

Answer 14

Epaminondas.

Question 15

How did Epaminondas’ military strategies influence future leaders?

Answer 15

His tactics influenced leaders like Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Epaminondas’ victory at the Battle of ____ marked the decline of Spartan hegemony.

Answer 16

Leuctra.

Question 17

Why was Epaminondas brought to trial by his own city of Thebes?

Answer 17

For his actions as a general, though he successfully defended himself.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Epaminondas’ mentor was a philosopher from the ____ school of thought.

Answer 18

Pythagorean.

Question 19

Which battle marked the end of Epaminondas’ life?

Answer 19

The Battle of Mantinea in 362 BCE.

Question 20

What was a unique trait of Epaminondas’ leadership?

Answer 20

He combined military brilliance with a sense of justice and fairness.

Question 21

How did Epaminondas change Greek warfare?

Answer 21

He introduced innovative tactics like the oblique phalanx and broke Spartan dominance.

Question 22

What humorous remark did Epaminondas make about Spartans?

Answer 22

He joked that Spartans say little because they have so little to say.

Question 23

What political environment shaped Epaminondas’ career?

Answer 23

Constant warfare and rivalry among Greek city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Thebes.

Question 24

How did Epaminondas’ death affect Theban power?

Answer 24

Theban dominance collapsed shortly after his death.

Question 25

Which enslaved population in Sparta did Epaminondas free?

Answer 25

The Helots.

Question 26

What were the two main achievements of Epaminondas?

Answer 26

The victory at the Battle of Leuctra and the liberation of the Helots.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Epaminondas used the ____ formation at Leuctra to defeat the Spartans.

Answer 27

Oblique phalanx.

Question 28

How did Epaminondas challenge Spartan warriors with humor?

Answer 28

He said Spartans spoke little because they had so little to say.