6. The Battle of Leuctra (371 BCE)
The Battle of Leuctra, fought on July 6, 371 BCE, marked a pivotal moment in Greek history, ending Spartan hegemony and establishing Thebes as the leading power. Theban general Epaminondas employed innovative tactics, notably the oblique phalanx, concentrating his forces on the left flank to decisively defeat the numerically superior Spartan army. This victory resulted in significant Spartan casualties, including the death of King Cleombrotus I, and fundamentally shifted the balance of power in Greece. (britannica.com)
