What Happened To the Ancient City of Thebes?
How the great city was felled by an equally great man
Thebes was a city-state in ancient Greece that once held its own alongside Athens and Sparta. Thebes fought with the Greeks and against the Greeks during the ancient period. They were known for their fierce fighters, strong citadel, and wavering loyalties. Thebes was an integral part of the shifting relationships and wars that swirled around Peleponesia during the time of the great Peloponnesian War.
Today, most people remember the deeds and feats of Athens and Sparta. The Athenians and the Spartans forged a fabled history that is still studied and revered today. Few people would lump Thebes in with Athens and Sparta. So what happened? What happened to the ancient city of Thebes that cast it down from its place of ancient prominence?
Constant Feuds
Thebes was despised by both Athens and Sparta for their role in Greece. Thebes constantly switched sides, abandoned alliances, and even sided with the hated Persians for a time. They took gold without a second thought and fielded mercenaries against friends, foes, and neighbors alike. The behavior of Thebes caused the city to gain a bad reputation. Athens and Sparta used their influence, historians, and orators to ensure that Thebes never shared in…
