The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite military unit in ancient Greece, composed of 150 pairs of male lovers. They were known for their exceptional bravery and cohesion.
The destruction of the Sacred Band at the Battle of Krimisos (or the Battle of the Krimisos) in 341 BC is a notable event in Greek history.
The battle took place during a period of political instability in Greece, with Thebes facing threats from both internal dissent and external forces. The Theban Sacred Band was led by its general, and its defeat marked a significant blow to Thebes’ military prowess.
In 341 BC, Thebes was involved in a conflict with Philip II of Macedon, who was expanding his influence over Greece. The battle at Krimisos was part of Philip’s campaign to assert Macedonian dominance in the region.
The Sacred Band, despite their reputation and skill, was defeated by the Macedonian forces. This defeat was particularly crushing for Thebes as the band was not only a military unit but also a symbol of Theban strength and unity.
The fall of the Sacred Band was a significant factor in the weakening of Thebes’ position and contributed to the eventual rise of Macedon under Philip II and later his son, Alexander the Great.
The article first appeared in Roman World.
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