What was unusual about the Theban Sacred Band?
The Sacred Band of Thebes (Ancient Greek: Ἱερὸς Λόχος, Hieròs Lókhos) was a troop of select soldiers, consisting of 150 pairs of male lovers which formed the elite force of the Theban army in the 4th century BC, ending Spartan domination. Its predominance began with its crucial role in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC.
Did Thebes defeat Sparta?
Fought in Boeotia, Greece, the Battle of Leuctra made Thebes the leading military power among the Greek city-states, ending the long dominance of Sparta. The battle also marked a revolutionary advance in battlefield tactics and demonstrated the effectiveness of homosexuality as a form of bonding for elite troops.
Was Spartans real?
Spartan Society Sparta, also known as Lacedaemon, was an ancient Greek city-state located primarily in the present-day region of southern Greece called Laconia. Spartan men devoted their lives to military service, and lived communally well into adulthood.
Who was the Thebes?
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….Thebes, Greece.
| Thebes Θήβα | |
|---|---|
| Area code(s) | 22620 |
| Website | www.thiva.gr |
How long was the Macedonian sarissa?
13 to 21 feet
history of spears … II of Macedon introduced the sarissa, a pike 13 to 21 feet (4 to 6.5 m) long that gave the Macedonian infantry an extra reach before the pike blades of the opposing Greeks could reach them.
Who beat the Spartan army?
The decisive defeat of the Spartan hoplite army by the armed forces of Thebes at the battle of Leuctra in 371 B.C. ended an epoch in Greek military history and permanently altered the Greek balance of power.
Are there still Spartans?
But today there is still a town called Sparta in Greece in the very same spot as the ancient city. So, in a way, Spartans still exist, although these days they tend to be a little less strict and certainly not as good at fighting with spears and shields as the ancients.
What God did Thebes worship?
The patron god of Thebes was Apollo and Dionysus, also called Bacchus and Iacchos. Dionysus’ mother, Semele, was a Theban princess. Sophocles includes in his play Antigone an ode to Dionysus, the guardian of Thebes. Because Thebans had close ties with Delphi, Apollo was also the patron god of the city.
What is Thebes today?
Luxor
The city, known as Waset to ancient Egyptians and as Luxor today, was the capital of Egypt during parts of the Middle Kingdom (2040 to 1750 B.C.) and the New Kingdom (circa 1550 to 1070 B.C.). Thebes was the city of Amun, whose devotees elevated him among the ranks of ancient deities.
Is there any evidence for the Theban Legion?
Donald F. O’Reilly argues that evidence from coins, papyrus, and Roman army lists supports the story of the Theban Legion.
Who are the martyrs of the Theban Legion?
The Theban Legion (also known as the Martyrs of Agaunum) figures in Christian hagiography as an entire Roman legion — of “six thousand six hundred and sixty-six men” — who had converted en masse to Christianity and were martyred together, in 286, according to the hagiographies of Saint Maurice, the chief among the Legion’s saints.
Why was the massacre of the Theban Legion?
Historically, Theban Christians honour a number of martyrs who defied the authorities during these persecutions. The purge of Christians from the military between AD 284 and 299 under Diocletian suggests that non-compliance to emperor worship was a common way of revealing Christian soldiers and bringing them to eventual execution.
When is the feast day of Theban Legion?
Their feast day is held on September 22. Statue of Saint Maurice; leader of the Theban Legion. According to Eucherius of Lyon, c. 443–450, the Legion was the garrison of the city of Thebes in Egypt. The Legion were quartered in the East until the emperor Maximian ordered them to march to Gaul, to assist him against the rebels of Burgundy.
