Death of Pelopidas

Thebes was supreme after Leuctra. When Alexander, tyrant of Thessaly, became cruel, Thebes sent Pelopidas to remonstrate. Instead of courtesy, Alexander chained and imprisoned him. The Thebans marched to rescue him under two new Boeotarchs—Epaminondas marched in the ranks as a common soldier. The new generals failed and were defeated. The soldiers begged Epaminondas to take command; he agreed and led them to safety. The next year, as Boeotarch again, he freed Pelopidas. Then Sparta broke its promise and attacked. Epaminondas went south; Pelopidas stayed north. Pelopidas won but was killed in battle. The Thebans killed Alexander and dragged his body to be torn by his own bloodhounds.