Agesilaus II vs Philopoemen of Megalopolis

Agesilaus II led a Spartan expedition to Asia Minor to liberate Greek cities from Persian control. He campaigned successfully against Persian satraps, winning several battles and gaining tribute, but was recalled to Greece due to the outbreak of the Corinthian War.

Agesilaus II defeated a coalition of Greek states (Thebes, Athens, Argos, Corinth) at Coronea in Boeotia. The battle was a tactical victory for Sparta but costly, and Agesilaus was wounded. It solidified his reputation as a capable commander.

During the Theban invasion of Laconia led by Epaminondas, Agesilaus II organized the defense of Sparta itself, which had not been threatened in centuries. He successfully prevented the capture of the city, though the Thebans ravaged the countryside.

Agesilaus II traveled to Egypt as a mercenary commander to support King Tachos against the Persian Empire. He later switched sides to support a rival claimant, Nectanebo II, in exchange for payment, demonstrating his pragmatism and need for funds for Sparta.

Philopoemen reformed the Achaean League's military, introducing Macedonian-style tactics and equipment. He trained the infantry to use the sarissa pike and organized them into phalanxes, transforming the League's army into a more effective fighting force.

Philopoemen led the Achaean League to a decisive victory over Sparta at the Battle of Mantinea. The Spartan army was destroyed, and their leader Machanidas was killed. This victory broke Spartan power and established Achaean dominance in the Peloponnese.

Philopoemen captured Sparta and forced it to join the Achaean League. He dismantled the Spartan walls, abolished the Lycurgan constitution, and imposed Achaean laws. This ended Sparta's independence as a major power.

Philopoemen was captured by Messenian rebels while on campaign. He was imprisoned and forced to drink poison, dying at age 70. His death was a major blow to the Achaean League, which lost its most capable general.