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Sacred Band of Thebes
The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite unit of the Theban army comprised of 150 gay male couples totaling 300 men. They were formed under the leadership of Gorgidas but first achieved fame under the general Pelopidas. They remained invincible...
Definition
Pelopidas
Pelopidas (c. 410 - 364 BCE) was a gifted Theban general and leader of the elite Sacred Band who, along with Epaminondas, is credited with helping Thebes rise to its greatest power. Defeating the mighty Spartans in several battles Pelopidas...
Definition
Battle of Leuctra
The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE gave Thebes a decisive victory over Sparta and established Thebes as the most powerful city-state in Greece. The victory was achieved through the daring and brilliant pre-meditated tactics of the Theban general...
Definition
Hoplite
A hoplite (from ta hopla meaning tool or equipment) was the most common type of heavily armed foot-soldier in ancient Greece from the 7th to 4th centuries BCE, and most ordinary citizens of Greek city-states with sufficient means were expected...
Definition
Carthaginian Army
The armies of Carthage permitted the city to forge the most powerful empire in the western Mediterranean from the 6th to 3rd centuries BCE. Although by tradition a seafaring nation with a powerful navy, Carthage, by necessity, had to employ...
Video
Units of History - The Sacred Band of Thebes
In this ancient history documentary we take a closer look at one of the most famous units of history, the Sacred Band of Thebes. The video begins with an over view of the the history of Thebes. We cover its mythology, founding in the bronze...
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What's Left of Big Foot's Band - Wounded Knee Massacre Survivors
Photo known as "What's Left of Big Foot's Band" by John C. H. Grabill, January 1891, showing the surviving members of the people of Lakota Sioux Chief Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot, l. 1826-1890) after the Wounded Knee Massacre of 29...
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Greek Warriors Stele
A marble stele depicting two Greek warriors. Taman Peninsula, 4th century BCE. (Pushkin Museum, Moscow)
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Carthaginian Sacred Band Hoplite
A Carthaginian hoplite from the Sacred Band, the army corps composed of Carthaginian citizens. Taken from a coin of Syracuse, 4th century BCE.
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Coptic Fruited Medallion Scroll Band
This fruited medallion scroll band was made by the Coptic people of Egypt while under Byzantine occupation (330-641 CE). It is made of wool and linen, and dates from the 7th century CE. (Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford...