The Battle of Mantinea

Grieving for Pelopidas, Epaminondas prepared to meet Agesilaus at Mantinea. Despite Agesilaus's experience, the Thebans won again. But Epaminondas was mortally wounded as victory came. A spear pierced his breast. He asked if his army was winning and if his shield was safe. Told both generals had fallen, he advised making peace—no one was left to maintain Theban supremacy. He pulled out the spear himself. A friend regretted he left no children. Epaminondas opened his eyes: "Leuctra and Mantinea are daughters enough to keep my name alive." The Thebans erected a monument with a dragon symbol. All Greek states accepted peace, exhausted by years of war.