The battle of Mantinea in 362 BC was fought between two rival Greek city-states. Thebes and Sparta. While Sparta and Athens are the best-known city-states in ancient Greece. Thebes was renowned for its rich culture and esteemed educational institutions. It was located in the plains and had many agricultural exports.

Thebes was no slouch militarily either. In 371 BC, 8 years before our battle. Thebes defeated a Spartan army at the Battle of Leuctra.

The Battle of Mantinea was part of a larger civil war between the Thebans, led by the Boeotian League, and Sparta and Athens, which were aligned against their growing power. Thebes allied with the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War of 431 BC, which caused resentment in Athens. During the battle, the Spartans were able to slay the leader of Thebes. Although Thebes won the battle, they were unable to capitalize on their victory and achieve greater success due to the death of their leader.

Order of Battle
Thebes, commanded by Epaminodas
30,000 infantry
3,000 Cavalry

Sparta, commanded by Agesilaus II
20,000 Hoplites
2,000 Cavalry

Wargame Rules: Hail Caesar, DBMM, any other large Bronze Age battle system
2 Players
Models Needed
Two armies’ worth of hoplites and skirmishers with light cavalry. The Theban military should be about 20% larger than the Spartan army. For example, if you are playing DBMM 400, the Thebian should have 480. Historically, the famous Spartan warriors numbered only about 1,000, and that should be reflected in list building. Feel free to have many commanders and allies, as that was a common feature amongst the forces.
Terrain: The battle took place on a large flat plane flanked by two mountains.

Objectives:
The Spartans must try to kill the commanders for the Thebians. The Thebians must defend their commanders and rout the enemy.