EPAMINONDAS

an ancient Greek statesman and general, who, for a short time, raised his country, Thebes, to the summit of power and prosperity. He was born about 418 B.c.,and killed at the battle of Mantinea, 362 B.c. He took the leading part in the struggle during which Spartan supremacy in Greece was destroyed, and the supremacy of Thebes temporarily secured. Four times he succe fully invaded the Peloponnesus at the head of the The bans, but after his death Thebes seon sank to her former secondary condition. Throughout life Epa min on das was distinguished for the friendship subsisting between him and Pelopidas, with whom he served in the Spartan campaign, 385 B.c. His character is one of the finest recorded in Greek history, and his virtues have been praised by both Xenophon and Plutarch.