Fourth Century Greece

During the fourth century B.C., the political powers in Greece were continually in upheaval as the city-states battled for supremacy. Generally however, many city-states either flourished or regressed in response to their leaders’ skill as orators, warriors, and figureheads. The city-states of Sparta (under the government of Kings Lysander and Agesilaus), Athens (under the authority of political orators Demosthenes and Isocrates), Thebes (led by their great generals Pelopidas and Epaminondas) and Macedonia (Ruled by Philip and Alexander), are all examples of how superior leadership during the fourth century was crucial in the battle for a city-states power over Greece.

After Sparta defeated the Aegean cities in the battle at Aegospotami, King Lysander established decarchies (boards of ten Spartiates), supported by Spartan garrisons and harmosts (military governors) to maintain Sparta’s' stronghold over the Aegean and also to ensure tribute was paid. Whilst at the time this was s...