Battle of Leuctra

371 B.C.

By David Bush

In 382B.C. The Spartans continued to assert their leadership of the Greek world, established by their victory in the Peloponnesian war. Using treachery the Spartans gained control of the Cadmeia, citadel of Thebes, causing a violent Theban reaction. In 379B.C. The garrison was ejected and Sparta declared war on Thebes. The Theban general Epaminondas drilled the populace into an efficient military force and marched out to meet the Spartans in Battle. The Theban general continued to perfect the deep echelon phalanx and deployed it on the Theban left flank so as to be across from the Spartan Hoplites. The Theban cavalry drove off the Spartan cavalry and then the Theban left smashed into the Spartan hoplites. The Theban sacred band acting as flank cover for the Theban deep echelon phalanx which drove into and through the Spartan elites. This saw to the destruction of the Spartan hoplites, including the death of their king. The Spartan allies lost heart and quite the field. Thus starts the ascendancy of Thebes and the decline of Sparta.

Spartan Army (1,380 pts)
CinC: Cleobrotus: 12" 100pts

Unit TypefigsA/D/M(Mv)Weapon No. of
Units
Cost per Unit
Spartan Elite163-2-4 (6")co, Lspr1 192
Spartan Veterans162-2-3 (6")co, Lspr1 160
Allied Hoplites161-2-2 (6")co, Lspr2 128
Allied Hoplites161-2-1 (6")co, Lspr4 112
Thracian Lt. Inf.121-1-1 (8")Jav. 2"3 48
Spartan Lt. Cav.81-0-1 (12")Jav. 2"2 40

Theban Army (1,198 pts)
CinC: Epaminondas: 12" 6" effects range 100pts
SubGen: Pelopidas: 6" 50pts

Unit TypefigsA/D/M(Mv)Weapon No. of
Units
Cost per Unit
Deep Phalanx322-2-3 (6")co, Pike1 336
Theban Hoplites161-2-1 (6")co, Lspr4 112
Mercenary Lt. Inf.121-1-1 (8")Jav. 2"3 48
Theban Lt. Cav.81-0-1 (12")Jav. 2"3 40

Army Break Values (50%):
Spartan Army- 690
Theban Army- 599

Spartan Camp:

If an unshaken Theban unit is able to occupy the Spartan camp area at the end of any game turn then the Spartan player must roll for a morale check for each of his remaining units at the beginning of his next turn, after the rally phase. This is done only one time, regardless of how many times the Theban forces are able to occupy the Spartan camp area.

Map Notes

All woods are light: -25% movement and -1 to melee for non-skirmish units
Hill area is -25% movement
Stream has steep banks: -50% movement and impassable to cavalry


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© Copyright 2001 Hal Thinglum
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