Phoebidas

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Phoebidas (Greek:Φοιβίδας)was a Spartan general who, in 382 BC, seized the Theban acropolis, giving Sparta control over Thebes. In punishment for this unauthorized action, Phoebidas was relieved of command, but the Spartans continued to hold Thebes. The Spartan king Agesilaus argued against punishing Phoebidas, on the grounds that his actions had benefitted Sparta, and this was the only standard against which he ought to be judged.

Several years later, Phoebidas's action appears to have been the model for a similar action by another general, Sphodrias, who attempted to seize Piraeus, the port of Athens.

[edit] References

• Fine, John V.A. The Ancient Greeks: A critical history (Harvard University Press, 1983) ISBN 0-674-03314-0