Theban Hegemony
Theban Hegemony refers to the period in the 4th century BCE when the city-state of Thebes dominated the political landscape of ancient Greece. This era followed the decline of Sparta and was marked by Thebes' military successes, particularly at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE, where they defeated the Spartans. Theban leadership aimed to challenge the power of Sparta and Athens and sought to unify the Greek city-states under their influence.
During this time, Thebes established a coalition known as the Boeotian League, which allowed them to exert control over neighboring regions. However, Theban Hegemony was relatively short-lived, as internal conflicts and the rise of Macedonia under Philip II eventually led to its decline. The period is significant for its impact on Greek politics and military strategies.