8. The Battle of Sellasia (222 BCE)
The Battle of Sellasia, fought in 222 BCE, was the final significant engagement of Sparta as an independent power. King Cleomenes III led Spartan forces against a Macedonian-Achaean alliance commanded by Antigonus III Doson. The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for Sparta, with approximately 5,800 Spartans killed. This loss effectively ended Sparta’s autonomy, leading to its subjugation under foreign rule and marking a significant decline for the once-mighty city-state.
