Pelopidas

Pelopidas led a group of exiles in a coup to overthrow the pro-Spartan oligarchy in Thebes. Disguised as women, they infiltrated a banquet and killed the ruling oligarchs. This action freed Thebes from Spartan control and established a democratic government.

Pelopidas led the Sacred Band in a victory against a larger Spartan force at Tegyra. The Thebans, though outnumbered, broke through the Spartan lines. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the Sacred Band and boosted Theban morale before Leuctra.

Pelopidas, as a leader of the Sacred Band, played a key role in the Theban victory over Sparta at Leuctra. The Theban general Epaminondas used an oblique formation, with the Sacred Band on the left wing, crushing the Spartan elite. This battle ended Spartan hegemony in Greece.

Pelopidas led a Theban expedition against Alexander of Pherae in Thessaly. At Cynoscephalae, he was killed in battle after charging recklessly into the enemy ranks. His death was a major loss for Thebes, though the Thebans eventually won the battle.