II/5c Later Hoplite Theban

450 BC - 275 BC

DBA 2.2

Army Composition: (13 elements) Miniatures by Xyston

1 x 4Sp (Gen) 2 x 3Cv, 6 x 4Sp, 1 x 4Ax or 4Sp, 2 x 2Ps

Historical Enemies: Thracian, Early Macedonian, Early/Later Achaemenid Persian, Lykian, Spartan, Thessalian, Aitoloan, Phokian, Italiot, Siciliot, Syracusan, Alexandrian/Imperial Macedonian, Asiatic Early Successor, Lysimachid, Early Macedonian Successor and Galatians.

Historical Notes: Thebes was the largest city of the ancient region of Boeotia and was the leader of the Boeotian confederacy. It was a major rival of ancient Athens, and sided with the Persians during the 480 BC invasion under Xerxes. Theban forces ended the power of Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC under the command of Epaminondas. The Sacred Band of Thebes (an elite military unit) famously fell at the battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC against Philip II and Alexander the Great. Prior to its destruction by Alexander in 335 BC, Thebes was a major force in Greek history, and was the most dominant city-state at the time of the Macedonian conquest of Greece.

After Alexander the Great died, Thebes was re-established in 315 BC by Cassander, however Thebes never returned to its former prominence or power. It was besieged and taken by Demetrius Poliorcetes in 293 BC, and again after a revolt in 292 BC. This last siege was difficult and Demetrios was wounded, but finally he managed to break down the walls and to take the city once more, treating it mildly despite its fierce resistance. The city recovered its autonomy from Demetrios in 287 BC, and became ally with Lysimachus and the Aetolian League.

A good army to command play with, yet a typical Greek Hoplite Army with lots of spearmen elements to hold the center, cavalry on the flanks and skirmishers out front to try and delay enemy arch rivals the Athenians, Spartans, Macedonians and Persians.