Agesilaus II

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.