Commanders from the Antiquity Age

Philip II (382-336 B.C.)
Macedonian King
Philippos in Greek
Born in Pella, capital of the Macedonian kingdom.
Youngest son of King Amyntas III and Eurydice.
Hostage in Thebes. 368 B.C.-365 B.C.
NOTE: Received military and diplomatic education from Epaminondas.
After his father's death, Macedonia was plagued with continuous attacks from neighboring Thracians, Illyrians, and Greeks; the Thracians interfered with internal politics and possessed eastern Macedonia. The Greeks colonies, indirectly lead by Olynthus, hampered the Macedonian economy and the Illyrians recently occupied north-western Macedonia.
His older brothers, king Alexander II and Perdiccas II failed to make headway against their neighbors.
Returned to Macedonia. 364 B.C.
Help strengthen and reorganized the Macedonian army.
When his brother Perdiccas III invaded the Illyrian-held Macedonia; the Illyrians crushed them. 359 B.C.
NOTE: 4,000 Macedonians were killed, including Perdiccas III.
With his other brother, Alexander II, already dead as well, became king of Macedonia at the age of 21.
NOTE: Originally appointed regent to the infant nephew, Amyntas, son of Perdiccas III, but took the kingdom.
The country at the brink of economic collapse, its neighbors pounding on her borders, and foreign-influenced pretenders claiming the throne.
Bought off the Thracian king and persuaded him to kill one of the pretenders who was hiding in the Thracian court.
Defeated the Athen-supported pretender.
NOTE: Philip II ceded Amphipolis to the Athenians to appease them.
In less than a year, Philip II resolved the internal struggle of the country and secured safety of his kingdom.
Campaigned into northwestern Macedonia that was occupied by the Illyrians. 358 B.C.
With the reorganized Macedonian phalanx, Philip II crushed the 10,000-strong Illyrian army.
NOTE: 7,000 Illyrians killed.
Freed the northwestern Macedonia and almost overnight doubled the size of his army.
Invaded the Illyrian homeland.
Defeating the Illyrian tribes stopping short of the Adriatic coast.
NOTE: This victory established his authority as far as Lake Ohrid.
Provided the sarissa for his troops (a spear that is 6 meters long [20 ft]).
NOTE: Held upright; provided hidden movement behind the phalanx. Held horizontal; became a brutal shock weapon from 20 feet away.
Turned war into a profession; paying the soldiers sufficiently to practice year round.
His foreign policy became more aggressive.
Forced the independent Macedonian state, Paeonia, to integrate under his rule.
Broke his agreement with Athens and captured Amphipolis after an intense siege. 357 B.C.
NOTE: The gold mines of Mount Pangaion, which is located near Amphipolis, enabled Philip II to finance new campaigns.
Secured alliances and loyalties through multiple marriages.
NOTE: He married the Illyrian princess Audata and the Macedonian canton of Elimea, Phila.
Married the Epirote princess, Olympias, who was the daughter of the Molssian king.
NOTE: Olympias gives birth to Alexander III [q.v.]. 356 B.C.
Increased the size of the group of Royal Companions, the hetairoi.
Began the practice of allowing the sons of nobles to receive education in the court of the king.
Conquered Thracian-held Crenides; changed the name to Philippi. 355 B.C.
Attacked Abdera and Maronea, which were on the Thracian seaboard.
Captured the Greek city, Potidaea, in Chalcidice.
He quickly captured Pydna on the Macedonian coast.
Captured Methone, another Athenian town. 354 B.C.
NOTE: During the siege of Methone, Philip lost an eye.
NOTE: All non-Macedonian citizens were expelled and the city was destroyed and rebuilt.
Established control of all the northern Greek cities in Thessaly. 352 B.C.
Complete victory against the Phocians at Crocus Field.
NOTE: This battle made Philip tagus of Thessaly.
Claimed Magnesia.
NOTE: Magnesia had the Pagasae harbor, which became important.
Using his wealth, Philip created a Macedonian-friendly party in Euboea, undermining Athens.
Moved his army as far south as Thermopylae until opposed by a joint Athenian/Spartan/Achaean army.
NOTE: Did not attempt to battle the army and returned to Macedonia.
Methodically crushing the Greek cities on the Chalcidice peninsula.
Continued to claim friendship with Olynthus until all neighboring city-states were captured.
Turned on Olynthus by laying siege. 349 B.C.
NOTE: Olynthus begged Athens for assistance but nothing came.
Captured Olynthus and razed the city. 348 B.C.
NOTE: The razing of Olynthus was the same fate of all the 31 Greek cities on the peninsula.
The entire Chalcidice peninsula was annexed, ending Greek control of Macedonian soil.
Advanced in the eastern districts and compelled the Thracian prince Cersobleptes to surrender. 347 B.C.
Forced Macedonian presence at the Greek Delphic council.
Successfully intervened in the war between Thebes and the Phocians. 346 B.C.
Celebrated the Olympic games at Dium.
With Macedonian influence growing, the Greeks steadily increased their resistance.
Subduing numerous Illyrian, Dardanian, and Thracian rebellions. 345 B.C.
Swiftly put down an uprising in Thessaly. 344 B.C.
Marched into Epirus and pacified the country.
Defeated the Thracians and captured Eumolpia. 339 B.C.
NOTE: Changed the name to Philippoupolis.
Started a siege at Perinthus (340 B.C.) and another at Byzantium (339 B.C.).
Both sieges failed due to strong Greek and Persian support.
Lifted the sieges and led army across Thrace.
Campaigned against the Scythians.
Crushed a large Scythian army near the Danube.
NOTE: The Scythian king was killed and 20,000 captured with the intent to sell into slavery.
On the return, the Thracian Triballians attacked the convoy.
NOTE: What gain Philip took from the Scythians was lost and Philip was permanently lame from this ambush.
While Philip nursed his wounds, the Greeks assembled a large army.
Failing to get Theban as an ally, Philip was content to wait for the arrival of his allies before marching into Boeotia.
Philip managed to recover and initiated the offensive against the Greeks before they invaded Macedonia.
Surprised the Greeks by taking the gates at Thermopylae.
Thebes and Athens assembled an army; Sparta refused to join them.
Philip agitated the Greeks by continuously launching raids during the winter.

CHAERONEA August 338
=============================================
Philip II (34,000) vs.Chares of Athens, Theagenes of Thebes (30,000)
Both sides were eager for battle, but Philip II was much more experience than Chares [Athens], Lysicles [Athens] or Theagenes [Theban] combined. Deployed at dawn, the Macedonians had Philip II commanding the right wing and 18-year-old Alexander, accompanied by the best Macedonian commanders, the left (the Companion Cavalry was positioned at the rear of the army). The Greek army deployed their army based on nationality (Athenian soldiers holding the left wing, Theban soldier; the right with the extreme right protected by the Sacred Band). When the battle started, it was hotly contested. For reasons not known to the Greeks, but part of Philip's army began to withdraw from the fighting. This inspired the Athenians that they were about to be victorious. The Athenian side of the Greek army moved out of formation and bit the trap. In the meantime, Alexander broke the Theban lines. When this occurred, Philip stopped the feint retreat and vigorously attacked the Athenians. The Athenians were routed. Theban warriors were soon crushed thereafter.
6,000 Athenians killed
2,000 Athenians captured
Of the 300-strong Sacred Band, 254 were killed (the rest were captured or wounded)
NOTE: He erected a memorial of a marble lion to the Sacred Band of Thebes for their bravery that still stands today.
NOTE: The ancient Roman and Greek historians, consider the battle of Chaeronea, on August 2nd, 338 BC as an end to Greek liberty and history. Greece will not regain its freedom from foreign occupation until early 19th century AD.

Secured his Greek conquests; strategically positioned garrisons throughout the region.
Established the League of Corinth and, under Macedonian troops, secured 'peace'. 337 B.C.
Allowed the Greek cities freedom and autonomy to all the political parties.
League members agreed not to war against each other.
NOTE: Macedonia was not a member of the League of Corinth.
Appointed himself "Commander of the Greeks".
NOTE: He already appointed himself "Commander of the Illyrians and Thracians" beforehand.
Despite their 'autonomy', the Greeks were still obligated to support the Macedonian king.
He declared he would 'liberate' the Greek cities in Asia Minor.
NOTE: Despite this declaration, tens of thousands of Greeks left their homeland and sailed off to Asia Minor and enrolled in the Persian army.
Declared war against Persia in retaliation of the Persian invasions that took place generations ago.
Despite being married six times, he married Cleopatra, a high noble Macedonian girl.
This marriage led to the breakup with Olympias.
Olympias and Alexander fled to Epirus.
NOTE: Alexander was allowed to return, but he felt uncomfortable.
Cleopatra gave birth to a male child, Caranus.
NOTE: Named after the founder of the Macedonian royal dynasty.
Sent Attalus, Cleopatra's uncle, and Parmenion, with 10,000 troops, into Asia Minor to free the Greek cities along the coast. 336 B.C.
Philip II was assassinated on the second day of the celebration of his daughter Cleopatra to prince Alexander of Epirus, brother of Olympias.
NOTE: The assassin, Pausanias, was a former male lover to Philip II. Speculation still exists that Alexander somehow assisted in this assassination.
Alexander III [the Great] succeeded the Macedonian throne.

Paraphrasing Bosworth on Philip
================================
"...work with the Macedonian army and the establishment of alliances with the Balkan peoples gave both himself and Alexander the resources required to carry out their conquests..."

Demosthenes delivered several speeches about Greek liberty and the Macedonian menace (351 B.C.), urging aid for Olynthus (349 B.C.) and one speaking of Philip II:
=============================================
"not only no Greek, nor related to the Greeks, but not even a barbarian from any place that can be named with honors, but a pestilent knave from Macedonia, whence it was never yet possible to buy a decent slave"

Strong quote from www.historyofmacedonia.org
==============================================
"But both ancient and modern historians recognize that without the military and political efforts of Philip, Alexander would have never been as successful as he was. After all, it was Philip who created the powerful Macedonian army and turned Macedonia into a strong nation in arms."

70% of Amateur War Historians believe Philip II's achievements prove he was the better commander than Epaminondas.

Reginmund@allempires.com comparing Philip II and Epaminondas 15-Mar-06
============================
"He achieved the first grand conquest of all Greece, actually establishing one monarchic sovereign ruling the entire territory, instead of just pushing the city-states into a league where Macedon was the hegemon, the way other Greek powers did to secure their influence in the past (Athens, Sparta, and Thebes most notably). This way, Philip made a break with continuity and tradition. Also, the army he faced up to was undoubtedly the most powerful in Greece, while at the time Epaminondas fought the Spartan army, its professionalism, which had secured supremacy in the past, was no longer unique."

akritas@allempires.com about Philip 15-Mar-06
============================
"At Chaeronea, Philipos did not order a pursuit that could have annihilated the Athenians and Thebans. He had large political goals in mind. The harsh treatment of Thebes by Philip after Chaeronea demonstrates that a great power is rarely willing to tolerate a competitor on its periphery if the means to prevent it are at hand."


SOURCES
http://www.historyofmacedonia.org/AncientMacedonia/PhilipofMacedon.html
http://www.livius.org/phi-php/philip/philip_ii.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_II_of_Macedon
http://wso.williams.edu/~junterek/philip.htm
http://www.mymacedonia.net/history/philip.htm






 

 

 

 
Phase 1 of Chaeronea: Philip's right flank ruses a retreat and the Athenians push on towards them.  Meanwhile Alexander continues to attack the Theban side of the allied army.

 
Phase 2 of Chaeronea: Philip's right flank turns and attacks the Athenians, eventually causing their retreat.  Meanwhile Alexander flanks both sides of the Theban army and crushes them in detail.




Edited by Travis Congleton - 02-Jul-2006 at 12:43

One thing worth to be mentioned is that the casualties of Chin is unbelievablely high, 300,000 men lost in the war. Despite the POWs killed by the Chin, the Zhao only one-sixth of that casaulties of Chin.

Chou Kung (??? - ??? B.C.)
'Duke of Chou'
Originally named Chi Tan.
Father was known as Wen Wang (Cultured King).
Wen Wang revolted against the Shang Dynasty.
Wu Wang the Martial King [q.v.] , Chou Kung's older brother, successfully overthrew the Shang.
Wu Wang established the Chou Dynasty.  1122 B.C.
Became the chief adviser in planning military and political strategy.
Received the fief of Lu from Wu Wang, however, he remained with his brother to help govern the Dynasty.
Many of Wu Wang's policies were adopted from the ideas of Chou Kung.
Wu Wang died.  1116 B.C.
Chou Kung set himself up as regent.
NOTE: Wu Wang's infant son, King Ch'eng, was too young to govern. 
His two brothers, Kuan Shu and Ts'ai Shu were suspicious of this act and sided with the Shang heir.
NOTE: After the Wang rebellion, the son of the Shange king was given a small fief in eastern China.
Chou Kung put down the revolt.
NOTE: No accounts were found pertaining to battles or campaigns.
The Shange heir and Kuan Shu were executed.  Ts'ai Shu was exiled.
Chou Kung served as regent for another 7 years.
Resigned his position when King Ch'eng reached maturity.
Continued to advise the king.
Responsible for supervising the building of the new capital.
Taught the young king administration skills of the governement.

SOURCE
http://www.bookrags.com/biography-chou-kung/index.html




Edited by Travis Congleton

Pelopidas (? ? ? -  364 BC)
====================================
Theban general
Son of Hippoclus
Born into a prominent  family of Thebes.
At the battle of Mantinea, Pelopidas, due to several wounds, fainted.  Epaminondas stayed with Pelopidas and fought off theives as well as the enemy.
NOTE: In essence, Epaminondas saved Pelopidas' life until help arrived.  384 B.C.
Fled after the oligarchical party allowed the Spartan force to enter Thebes.
Coordinated the assassination of the leaders of the oligarchical party.  379 B.C.
NOTE: This assassination was very elaborate; some events included penetrating the guardposts, infiltrating a party as female dancers.  And at times, just blunt; knocking on a door until someone answers; once opened, rushed in and killed all who opposed them.
With a small group of resistance fighters, threw out the 1,500-strong Spartan garrison.
NOTE: After an initial siege, led by Pelopidas, the garrison agreed to leave.
NOTE: The Spartan commanders of the garrison were executed by the Spartan army that was on its way to relieve the castle.
Elected boeotarch
A Spartan army invades Boeotia.
NOTE: With Athens refusing to join Thebes against Sparta, Pelopidas devises a plan.  He sends a merchant to the Spartan army led by Sphodrias.  This merchant convinces Sphodrias that, for the greater glory of Sparta, Athens port could easily be taken at this time as the Athenians would least expect the attack since Sparta is at war with Thebes.  Sphodrias moves towards Athens.  Athens, suddenly alerted by Thebes informants, successfully defend the port.  In 378 B.C., Athens joins Thebes against Sparta.
Pelopidas, with only the 300-strong Sacred Band, marches out to confronts a larger Spartan force.

Tegyra  375 B.C.
Pelopidas (300) vs. Spartans (900)
No details are recorded.  Only that after a scout had arrived in a panic state and said "We have fallen into our enemy's hands."  Pelopidas quickly responded by says, "And why not they into ours?"  The Sacred Band decisively defeated the Spartans.  It is the first recorded event that a Spartan army was defeated by a smaller one.
No casualty numbers available.

Sparta concludes a peace treaty with all of the city-states except for Thebes.  371 B.C.
Sparta sends an army 10,000 strong under Cleobrotos I.
Pelopidas, under Epaminondas, led the Sacred Band at the battle of Leuctra.

LEUCTRA  371 B.C.
==============================
Epaminondas/Pelopidas (9,000) vs. Cleombrotos I (12,000)
King Cleombrotos stopped at Leuctra, near Thebes.  Epaminondas convinced his civilian-soldiers that they must fight the Spartans.  Cleombrotos had his peltasts cover his flanks of his phalanx.  Epaminondas positioned the Theban phalanx at a slight slant, with the left wing closest to the enemy.  He also concentrated his men on the left side of the Theban phalanx, revealing a weak center and right wing.  Epaminondas decided to 'shield press' against the enemy instead of spear fighting.  In essence, the Theban left wing would push and overwhelm the Spartan right wing.  Epaminondas used what was left of his peltasts to cover the right wing while the cavalry and 'Sacred Band' protected the left wing.  Cleombrotos orders his cavalry to attack.  The clash between the Spartan cavalry and Theban cavalry is undecisive until Pelopidas, leading the 'Sacred Band', smashes the Spartan cavalry.  The Theban cavalry attack the Spartan peltasts as the main Theban left wing smashes into the right side of the Spartan phalanx.  Cleombrotos is killed and the Spartan peltasts were unable to defend the phalanx's right flank.  The 'Sacred Band' and cavalry hit the right flank of the Spartans as the whole wing is pushed back.  The Spartan allies, primarily on the left wing of the phalanx, loss morale and retreat.  Theban forces were persuaded not to pursue the fleeing army.
2,000 Spartan casualties (including Cleombrotos)
  300 Theban casualties

Under Epaminondas and Pelopidas, the Theban army marched into the Peloponnese, freeing the Peloponnesian cities from Sparta.
Freeing the Helots from Sparta.
Their army swelled to 70,000 as former Spartan allies joined the Theban army.
Reasons never known or explained, Theban army spares Sparta and returns home.
Upon their return, Epaminondas and Pelopidas were brought up on charges of continuing command despite the expiration of their term as commanding generals(they were acquitted).
NOTE: Epaminondas took this event in stride, however, it did not settle well with Pelopidas.
Sent to assist the Thessalians against the tyrant Alexander of Pherae  369 B.C.
Entered Thessaly and occupied larissa, the principal city.
Alexander quickly submitted, but proved too difficult to persuade to become a more gentlier leader.
After the campaign against Alexander of pherae, led the arbitration between Alexander II of Macedon and Ptolemy of Alorus.
Part of the negotiation, Pelopidas took hostages from both sides to cement an agreement.
NOTE: One of the Philip II(q.v.), Alexander II's brother, and later king himself; father of Alexander the Great(q.v.).
The talks broke down when Ptolemy of Alorus murdered Alexander II.  368 B.C.
Pelopidas raised a mercenary force in Macedonia to deal with this trouble.
On the battlefield, Ptolemy bribed Pelopidas' army and they abandoned him.
Despite having an army, a favorable peace with Ptolemy was made.
NOTE: Ptolemy volunteered to give up the kingship of Macedonia and give it to Philip II.
Marched to Pharsalus to deal with the deserting mercenaries.
NOTE: Many of the mercenaries had family and property there.
Upon his arrival at Pharsalus, an army led by Alexander of Pherae approached.
Under the presumption of prestige, Pelopidas approached Alexander's camp to hear out Alexander.
Alexander immediately ordered his arrest and captured Pharsalus.  368 B.C.
NOTE: Held prisoner for a year until rescued by a Theban force under Epaminondas.  Epaminondas did not want to escalate the situation and instead of fighting Alexander, asked for Pelopidas in return for other captives.  The negotiations were successful.
Went to Persia as a Theban ambassador to counteract the attempts of either the Spartan or Athenian ambassadors.
Alexander of Pherae pressuring Thessaly, Pelopidas led a force to stop Alexander of Pherae.
Due to leave for Thessaly, the Theban force of 7,000 panicked when an eclipse of the sun took place.  June 13, 364
Pelopidas left with only 300 volunteer cavalrymen.

CYNOSCEPHALAE  364 B.C.
===============================
Pelopidas (2000) vs. Alexander (4000)
Pelopidas, reinforced by a small contigent force from Thessaly, attacked and successfully disloged Alexander of Pherae's army from their position.  Pelopidas wishing to do personal combat with Alexander who was trying to rally his forces, he rushed him.  Pelopidas became isolated from his main force and killed by the tyrant's guards.  The Theban force protected his body, and with renewed anger, drove the enemy from the field.  Technically, the battle was a Theban victory, however the loss of Pelopidas was a great loss.
3,000 Pheraeans casaulties
unknown Theban casualties; presumably light.
Pelopidas killed.

NOTE: The next year, Epaminondas avenged this defeat with a victory over Alexander, who was resigned to limited rule to Pherae and forced to join the Boeotian league.  Alexander was later killed by his wife's brothers.
Pelopidas had a wife, and two children.

CONGO NOTE: Epaminondas and Pelopidas had a unique friendship in times when power often leads to personal ambition, greed or jealously.  They applauded each other's successes and had a common respect of virtue to the prosperity of their city-state, Theban.  Epaminondas was more of a thinker while Pelopidas excelled in athletics.  Still, despite their differences, when Pelopidas could never persuade Epaminondas to accept his charity, Pelopidas joined Epaminondas in his simple way of life, despite the fortune, that he had inherited, that he could have spent on himself.


King Artaxerxes of Pelopidas
============================
"This is the man, who beat those Spartans who only a short time before were about to fight with the Great King himself in the heart of his empire."   

Plutarch of Pelopidas's final act in battle
============================
"A general who risks his own life endangers not only himself but also his soldiers, whose life depends on his safety.  When the reward justifies the risk, he should not hesitate, but if the most he might accomplish is what an ordinary soldier could do just as well, a general should not put his person in jeopardy."







SOURCES
http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/a/pelopidas.htm
http://www.e-classics.com/PELOPIDAS.htm
http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/thebans.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cynoscephalae_%2836 4_BC%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tegyra



Edited by Travis Congleton

Conon ( ? ? ? - ? ? ? )
==========================
Athenian General
Took command of the Athenian navy after Alcibiades was recalled.  406 B.C.
Defeated by the Spartan fleet at Mytilene.  August 406 B.C.
NOTE: No information about this battle.
Briefly blockaded at Mytilene until rescued following the Athenian victory at Arginusae. 
Lysander beat the Athenian navy to Hellespont and occupied Lampsacus.  404 B.C.
Situated his base at Aegospotami while being supplied from Sestus.
Advised by Alcibiades to move his fleet to Sestus, but ignored it.
NOTE: Alcibiades' plan wouldn't necessarily have worked either.  If the fleet moved to Sestus, Lysander could escape and cut the Athenian food supply.

Aegospotami  404 B.C.
==========================
Lysander (? ? ?) vs. Conon (180 triremes)
On the fifth day, Lysander scouts reported that the Athenian crews disembarked to retrieve their meals and supplies.  NOTE: This could have been a situation where betrayal was involved.  Lysander ordered an immediate attack.  The Athenian fleet was completely caught off guard and captured with little resistance.  Nine Athenian ships, including Conon's vessel, successfully escaped.  This battle proved to be the Peloponnesian-winning battle as it dislodged the Athenians from controlling the sea and they could no longer supply themselves by sea.
All Athenians were executed.
Peloponnesian losses; light.

Fearing Athenian judgement, sailed to Cyprus.
Spartan and Persian alliance soon spoiled.
Accepts the position of naval command offered by Perisan emperor Artaxerxes.  397 B.C.
Sends a small portion of the Poenician fleet to Caria.
Briefly blockaded, but rescued by Pharnabazus and Tissaphernes.
Proceeded to Rhodes.
Replaced the Rhodes pro-Spartan oligarchy with a democracy; gathered supplies.
Spartans sent a fleet under Pisander against the Phoenician fleet.

Cnidus  394 B.C.
===================
Conon/Pharnabazus (90 triremes) vs. Peisander (85 triremes)
Apparently the Spartan navy encountered elements of the Persian fleet and engaged them with success.  The Persian fleet arrived in full force and was able to put the Spartan fleet to flight.  This battle effectively ended the Spartan's dominance on the Aegean sea. 
Heavy Spartan casaulties
35 Spartan triremes were destroyed
50 Spartan triremes were captured
Peisander was killed.

Allowed to retain part of the fleet, returned to Athens.
Money received he gave to Athens to reconstruction of the Piraeus long walls.
Sent as a Athenian delegate to oppose the proposition of Spartan abandoning their cities in Asia Minor.
Satrap Tiribazus imprisoned Conon and the other delegates, believing this was an attempt to reclaim their empire.
Tiribazus was later replaced by Struthus.
Satrap Struthus allowed Conon to escape.
Died soon afterwards in Cyprus.
Timotheus, his son, later became a prominent general.


SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cnidus
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/conon
http://www.livius.org/pb-pem/peloponnesian_war/war_t06.htm


Edited by Travis Congleton

Benedict: "I should be much obliged if you would point out some books or other articles about peloponessian war and later, especially books of Epaminodas."
===============================
Without a doubt, Epaminodas is a source of study.  His destruction of the Spartan army at Leuctra paved the way for Theban dominance.  Unfortunately, his death paved the way for the Macedonians.  Neither Sparta or Thebans was in any position to compete against the Macedonians.

Unfortunately, books I do have that talk about Epaminodas are not specialized on him; just in that general time period.

Benedict: "BTW, that's one impresive knowledge of history."
===============================
Benedict, don't confuse simple research with knowledge.  But who am I; swiping at compliments!  I'll take'em!  THANKS!!

Wu Wang...as a military commander was not that famous compared to other Chinese generals/kings during the Spring and Atumn (770-476 BC), and

==============================

Could you be more precise?  Possibly give names during the 770-475 B.C. timeperiod?

The famous Sun Wu (Sun Tzu) was the commander of Wu kingdom around 500 BC during Spring and Atumn, though there were other generals who performed more stunning battles than Sun.

==============================
I actually don't mind repeating myself so...  Could you be more precise?  Possibly give names... ?
 

Alcibiades (c.450�404 B.C.)
Athenian statesman and general.
Son of Cleinias and Deinomache, member of the Alcmaeonidae family (mother's side).
Ward of Pericles.
Devoted attendant of Socrates.
Participated at the battle of Potidaea. 432 B.C.

POTIDAEA  432 B.C.
================================
Archestratus (3,000 Hoplites, 70 Athenian ships) vs Aristeus (2,800 Hoplites)
One of the catalysts for the Pelopnnesian War.  Potidaea, originally paying tribute to Athens now was requested, by Athens, to destroy her defensive walls and expel the Corinthian ambassadors for fear of Potidaea revolting.  Under the command of Archestratus, an Athenian fleet of thirty ships carrying 1,000 hoplites was sent to Portidaea (originally intended for a fight against the Macedonians).  Negotiations broke down in Athens and Sparta promised Potidaea to fight for their revolt against Athens.  Upon arriving, Archestratus attacked the Macedonian army that was already there.  Under Aristeus, an Corinthian army of 1,600 hoplites and 400 light troops were sent to relieve Potidaea.  The Athenian force was reinforced with 2,000 hoplites and 40 ships under the command of Callias, head of a noted Athenian family.  Indecisive actions, the Macedonian and Athenian armies disengaged, both moved towards Potidaea.  Perdiccas, leading the Macedonians, and 200 cavalry joined the Corinthian army.  When the two armies met, the Athenians were victorious with the exception of the wing that fought against Aristeus.  Aristeus, with the remaining Corinthian troops, retreated and hap hazardously returned to Potidaea.  Meanwhile, a small force of Potidaeans arrived to fight the Athenian army.  They were quickly defeated.  The battle took place, but the Macedonian cavalry never joined battle.
300 Corinthian/Potidaean casualties
150 Athenians (including Callias)
Alcibiades and Socrates were among the Athenian soldiers in this battle; Socrates saved Alcibiades' life there.
Again, the Athenians were reinforced by 1,600 hoplites, under Phormino, son of Asopius, a noted Athenian general.  Counter-wall operations commenced on both sides.  The Athenians were successful in cutting Potidaea from the coast with a naval blockade.  These events were took some time and a declaration of war between Sparta and Athens when they failed to come to a compromise.  Though this campaign was successful, it depleted much of the Athenian treasury maintaining the blockade.

Delium  424 B.C.
==================================
Pagondas (18,500 Boeotians) vs Hippocrates (9,000 Athenians)
The Athenians carved out a plan to attack Thebes, a Sparta ally.  Hippocrates would attack Boeotia from the northeast at Delium; Demosthenes from the south.  Demosthenes set sail too early and landed at Siphae.  Since he wasn�t strong enough with the force he had, Demosthenes retreated.  Hippocrates arrived in Boeotia and immediately began to fortify Delium.  The fortifications were completed and Hippocrates sent the rest of the army back to Athens.  The commander of the Boeotian forces, Pagondas of Thebes, convinced his troops to attack Delium, despite the fact that the garrison poised no threat.  The Boeotian army consisted of 7,000 hoplites, 1,000 cavalry, 500 peltast, and 10,000 light troops.  The troops from Thebes formed the right wing, the center; men from Haliartia, Coronaea, and Copaea, the left wing; Thespiae, Tanagra, and Orchomenia (Locrian troops would later join this force).  Hippocrates joined the Athenian force.  When he was giving his speech to his troops, the Boeotians unexpectedly attacked.  Fierce fighting took place in the center of both armies.  The Boeotian left wing became surrounded and defeated, but Pagondas supported his left wing using his cavalry which defeated the Athenians.  At about this time, the Boeotian right wing became victorious.  With both wings gone, the Athenian center fled.  Most of the Athenians fled to the Delium fort.  The Boeotians made no notable advances on Delium for two weeks.  A Corinthian force of 2,000 hoplites arrived on site.  By this time, the Boeotians had constructed a type of flamethrowing device.  The weapon was used against the fort at Delium and forced the Athenians to flee.
NOTE: Some Athenians soldiers included Socrates and Alcibiades.  Alcibiades saved Socrates (this act impressed Hipponicus whom bestowed upon him his daughter, Hipparete).
1,200 Athenians casualties (including Hippocrates)
  500 Boeotians casualties
NOTE: Demosthenes arrived at Sicyon, but this time he was too late.  Unable to locate Hippocrates� force, he encountered the combined forces of the Boeotians and Corinthians.  He was quickly defeated.

Became a proponent for the continuation of war against Sparta after the death of Cleon.  422 B.C.
Involved in politics after the Peace of Nicias. 421 B.C.
Encouraged an alliance against Sparta.

Mantinea 418 B.C.
==================================
Agis II (4,200 Spartans) vs. Mantineans/Argos/Athens (4,000)
The Argives attacked the Epidaurians, an ally of Sparta and traditional enemy of Argos in 419 B.C.  One of the kings of Sparta, Agis II, made an unpopular 4-month truce with Argos.  The Athenians, warring with Sparta, found a way to make the Argives break their truce with Sparta.  Agis II, with a Sparta army and troops from Arcadia, Corinth, Boeotia, Phocis, and Locris, invaded mantinea, near Argos.  The Argive army prepared itself for battle and formed a defensive position on a hill, Agis was persuaded by his advisors not to assault the hill.  He retreated and starting laying waste to the land and irrigation works.  Meanwhile, the Argive army marched near a Temple of Heracles and surprised the Spartans the next day.  Brasidas (not the famous Brasidas), the Thracians, and the Sciritae (an elite unit of Spartan troops) formed the left wing, the Spartans, Arcadians, and Maenalians in the centre, and the Tegeans on the right wing.  The Argive lines were formed by the Mantineans on the right, the Argives in the centre, and the Athenians on the left.  Each right flank of the opposing army began to outflank the other's left.  Agis unsuccessfully tried to strengthen his line.  The Mantineans rushed into the gap created by these movements.  Despite the opportunist situation, the Argives and Athenians fled immediately.  The Mantineans retreated soon after.  In 417 B.C., a truce was signed by Argos and Sparta which encouraged an alliance against other hostile city-states.
1,100 Argive casualties 300 Spartan casualties

Strong promoter of the Sicilian campaign.  415 B.C.
Nicias, Lamachus, Alcibiades led this Athenian force.
For want of allies, he proposed allying with the cities of Selinus and Syracuse.  He was overruled by Nicias.
He was summoned back to Athens, leaving Nicias to his fate in Sicily.
Accused of mutilating the statues of Hermes, Alcibiades sailed for Athens, but diverted his ship to Argos, a Spartan ally, after he discovered he was condemned to death and his property confiscated.
Became an advisor to King Agis I of Sparta, who later would be victorious against Athens.
NOTE:  He persuaded King Agis I to send Gylippus to Syracus and fortify Decelea at Attica.  He successfully encourages Chios to revolt against Athens.  And concluded an alliance with the Persian satrap Tissaphernes.
Lost favor with King Agis I and fled Persia where he became protected under Tissaphernes.  412 B.C.
NOTE: Seduced and impregnated the Spartan Queen, Agis II, whom later orders his execution.
NOTE: Influenced the Persian satrap Tissaphernes to avoid the conflict between Sparta and Athens and allow them to wear each other out.
Failing to attach himself to the oligarth Peisander, he hooked up with their opponents whom had a fleet at Samos.
A political shift in Athens (fall of the Four Hundred), Alcibiades was recalled at the request of Thrasybulus.  411 B.C.
Defeated the Spartan fleet at Abydos.
NOTE: Not sure if Abydos and Cynossema are the same battles.  They appear in the same year, however, no information is available about the battle at Abydos (the Cynossema battle has ships coming from Abydos).
Defeats the Peloponnesian fleet off Cyzicus.  410 B.C.

CYZICUS  410 B.C.
==================================
Alcibiades vs. Spartan fleet (commander not found)
A small-scale naval battle that was decisive for the Athenians.  Apparently, Alcibiades sent a decoy fleet that spurred the Spartan fleet.  The decoy ships then moved towards the main Athenian fleet which manhandled the Spartans.  The outcome, however, had little effect and the Spartans quickly rebuilt their fleet.

Recovers Chalcedon and Byzantium.  408 B.C.
Upon returning to Athens, he discovered all the accounts against him were repealed.
Appointed general with unconditional powers.  407 B.C.
Failed at Andros (no details available).
His lieutenant Antiochus was defeated by the new Spartan commander, Lysander at Notium.  406 B.C.

Notium (or Ephesus) 406 B.C.
==================================
Antiochus (75 triremes) vs. Lysander (90 triremes)
In 407 B.C., Lysander, who was appointed as navarch, commander of the Spartan fleet, sailed west to Ephesus.  Establishing a base with 90 triremes, he established diplomatic relations with Cyrus, a Persian prince.  NOTE: Cyrus agreed to provide funds for the Spartan rowers.  Alcibiades, awaiting for an opportunity to fight with the Spartan fleet, brought his fleet to Notium.  With Lysander refusing to engage in battle, Alcibiades sailed north with a few ships to assist Thrasybulus in the siege of Phocaea.  NOTE: Doing this was an unorthodox action.  He is later criticized by both anicent and modern tacticians for this action.  Antiochus was ordered by Alcibiades not to attack.  Antiochus choose to ignore Alcibiades orders.  Antiochus sailed out with a decoy fleet of 10 triremes.  His plan was to draw out the Peloponnesians then ambush them with the main fleet.  A similiar tactic at Cyzicus.  However, Antiochus' ship is sunk by a sudden attack by the Spartans.  The remaining nine ships flee towards Notium.  At Notium, the Athenian fleet is caught unprepared by the attack.  The Spartans sailed back to Ephesus.  Alcibiades lifts the siege of Phocaea upon hearing word of the attack.  Despite his efforts he still failed to bring Lysander out to battle.  Notium was Alcibiades downfall.  He was removed from office (as well as Thrasybulus).  Because of term limits, Lysander was replaced by Callicratidas.
 7 Athenian triremes sunk.
15 Athenian triremes captured.
NOTE: Donald Kagan suggest that the most important effect of the battle on the Athenian side was the removal from command of Thrasybulus, the Athenian who planned all the naval victories of 411 and 410 B.C.

Alcibiades was dismissed from command and exiled.
Moved to the western shore of the Hellespont.
Attempted to warn the Athenian fleet at Aegospotamos whom ignored him and were defeated.  405 B.C.
Took refuge with Pharnabazus in Phrygia.
Initiated plans to aid Artaxerxes against Sparta, but the Persian satrap Pharnabazus, upon advise of Lysander, had Alcibiades assassinated.  404 B.C.





http://www.bartleby.com/65/al/Alcibiad.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcibiades
http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/people/a/alcibiades.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notium
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/battle_of_cyzicus
http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/se/~luv20009/Mantinea1.html
http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/battlesofsparta/article s/mantinea.aspx
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/battle_of_mantine a_418_bc1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Delium
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/battle_of_delium
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/reference/battle_of_potidae a

Edited by Travis Congleton

Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC)
Greek's greatest orator

No military experience - Important Greek figure.

"Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.


=======================================



Demosthenes (? ? ? - 413 B.C.)
Athenian General
Son of Alcisthenes.
Commanded a fleet that was sent to Naupactus to blockade Corinth, Sparta's ally.  426 B.C.
Ignored the request for assistance from the Ambracian and instead of invading the island of Leucas; Aetolia was invaded (it was a threat to the port of Naupactus).
The Ambracian allies refused to assist in this campaign.
Expected allies also did not show up (the Locrians).
Campaign in Aetolia proved difficult as Demothenes discovered his heavy-armed hoplites were not fast enough against the lightly-armored Aetolians (Locrians could have been able to counter this attack with their javelin throwers).
By the end of the war season, 180 of his men of 300 survived.
Did not return to Athens for fear of his life for his failure in the campaign.
With the Ambracians refusing to join their Athenian allies and the Locrians not fighting, the Aetolians started an alliance with Sparta.  425 B.C.
Demosthenes managed to find a way to re-unit the Ambracian forces with his own (through negotiations).
Returned to Naupactus, the Spartans retreated when they realized the city would not be stormed.
The Spartans turned on the town Amphilochian Argos, an Ambracian ally.
NOTE: Some time later Ambracians became an ally to the Spartans - specifics not found.
Became a private citizen.
The Acarnanians sought help from Demosthenes.
With a group of volunteers, followed the Spartan army north near Argos.
Both armies waited for 5 days before Eurylochus, the Spartan commander, moved against the Athenian volunteer force.
Demosthenes left his left flank weak which allowed the Spartans to encircle his force.  The Spartans were suddenly attacked by a reserve force that Demosthenes had left in the rear.  This caused the Spartans to panick; victory was complete.
NOTE: Eurylochus and one other Spartan commanders were killed.
What was left of the Spartan army was besieged and their commander, Mendaeus, surrendered.
Demosthenes gave them generous terms (safe passage back to Sparta), but continued to war against the Ambracians.
The Ambracian army was coming to relieve the Spartans (who had already surrendered).
Surprised the Ambracians and wiped out the force.
Athens was the dominate force in western Greece theater.
Established an Athenian fort in Pylos, which was owned by the Messenians and hostile towards Sparta.  Spring 425 B.C.

Pylos 425 B.C.
=================================
King Agis (? ? ?) vs. Demosthenes (? ? ?)
King Agis invaded Attica.  The Athenians, using a fleet of 40 ships, landed at Pylos and began fortify their position.  Once King Agis received word of the news, he removed his army from Attica and marched to Pylos.  He also had a fleet of 60 ships meet him there.  Six days later, the fortification was complete and the Athenians fleet left for Corcyra and Sicily (5 ships remained behind).  Demosthenes had the 40 Athenian ships return after word was received of the Spartan fleet nearby.
The plan for the Spartans was to blockade the Pylos port and land an army on Sphacteria, a nearby island.  A Spartan force of 440 hoplites, led by Epitadas, landed on Sphateria.  Demosthenes, most of his army consisted of unarmed sailors, took 60 hoplites to defend the beach against the Spartan landing.  Demothenes inspired his troops with a speech (stating the Athenians will be victorious if they stand their ground on the beach).  A Spartan fleet of 43 ships arrived under the command of Thrasymelidas and Brasidas.  The Spartan amphibious landing was repulsed and Bradsidas was injured.  The Athenian fleet of 50 ships arrived.  The Spartan fleet refused battle at sea and unintentionally allowed the Athenian fleet to enter the port of Pylos.  The Athenian fleet than chased the Spartan fleet away which suddenly isolated the 292 Spartan troops on Spacteria.
NOTE: Spartans offered a truce, but Cleon refused.  Many in Athens felt this was a mistake.

Cleon met Demosthenes at Pylos.
Attacked the Spartans on Sphacteria and forced them to uncharacteristically surrender.
Returned to Athens receiving a hero's welcome.
Demosthenes and Hippocrates failed to capture Megara and were defeated by Brasidas.  424 B.C.
Cleon and Demosthenes carved out a plan to attack Thebes, another Sparta ally.
Cleon and Hippocrates would attack Boeotia from the northeast at Delium; Demosthenes from the south.
The plan was betrayed and Demosthenes defeated at Sicyon.
NOTE: Cleon was defeated at Delium and Brasidas, the Spartan general, took Amphipolis.
Cleon and Brasidas were killed at the battle of Amphipolis.
Demosthenes was discredited and Athens signed a peace treaty.
Despite being discredited, Demosthenes was one of the Athenians who swore the oaths for the signing of the Peace of Nicias.  The Archidamian War ended.  March 421
NOTE: There were actual two people with the same name of Demosthenes; the other was from Sparta.
Conducted minor operations in Epidaurus.  418-417 B.C.
Following the battle of Mantinea, he organized the evacuation of the Athenian troops.
Despite the fact that the Spartans, led by their king, Agis II, occupied Decelea near Athens, the Athenians sent Demosthenes and Eurymedon with 73 ships and 5,000 hoplites to resurrection the ill-fated Syracuse campaign.  413 B.C.
NOTE: Nicias fell ill, Alcibiades, was recalled, and Lamachus was killed in action.  The Athenians failed to surround the city. 
NOTE: The Spartan occupation of Decelea started the Decelean or Ionian War.
Reached Syracuse.  413 B.C.
Demosthenes immediately attacked the counterwall by surprised, but was repulsed.
Demosthenes suggests an evacuation of Syracuse; the campaign could not be won.  Nicias was against the idea.
After waiting for a surrender of the Syracusans, Nicias agreed.
The night of the evacuation (August 27, 413), a lunar eclipse occurred.  Nicias viewed this an omen from bad origins and delayed the evacuation.
Soon after, the Syracusans blocked the harbor, ending the thought of evacuation by sea.
NOTE: Eurymedon was killed when the Syracusans took the harbor.
Nicias abandoned his position.  Attempted to travel to north to Catana.  Harrassed by Syracusan cavalry.
Six days later, they turned south.
Demosthenes' troops fell behind and surrendered; accepting slavery.
A day later, Nicias surrendered.
Against the orders of Gylippus, the Spatan commander, Demosthenes and Nicias were execution.
All the Athenians soon died from malnutrition and exposure as they worked in a stone quarry.







SOURCES
http://www.livius.org/de-dh/demosthenes/demosthenes1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demosthenes_(general)


Edited by Travis Congleton

Mardonius (? ? ? - 479 B.C.)
Persian General
Son of Gobryas, who was one of seven men who led the overthrow of the Medes, and son-in-law of Darius I.
NOTE: He married his daughter, Artozostra.
Within the Ionian cities, Mardonius surprisingly established democratic governments (deposing the Persian princes) in the attempt to appease the Ionians from revolting a second time.
With an army, sent to Greece to punish Athens and Eretria for their assistance in the Ionian Revolt (which had failed).  492 B.C.
Thrace and Macedonia submit  to Marodius and pay tribute to the Persians.
Also has Thasos to submit to the Persians.
His fleet was destroyed by a storm when it left the island of Thasos and attempted to navigate Mount Athos.
NOTE: Herodotus lists gives a number, but it is hardly worth noting as it seems quite inaccurate.
Mardonius, despite the lost of his fleet, continues the campaign
In Thrace, his camp is attacked at night by  the Briygi, wild Thracian tribe.  Casualties are high and Mardonius is wounded.
He subdues the Briygi tribe.
With a depleted force and his fleet lost, he elected to abandon the campaign and retreat back to Asia Minor.
Darius relieves him of command of the army.  490 B.C.
NOTE:Artaphrenes takes command and is defeated at Marathon.
Darius dies, his son, Xerxes I, takes command.
Mardonius supports the preparation of war against the rebellious Egyptians; also advised to go after the Greeks when the Egyptian campaign is done.
NOTE: Another advisor, named Artabanus, offered to be cautious towards the Greeks.  However, Mardonius took advantage of the fact that Xerxes father had strong ambitions in Europe and to avenge the defeat at Marathon.
NOTE: The campaign in Egypt was successful, though, it doesn't appear Mardonius participated in it.  His strong demand to war against Greece was awarded with becoming one of seven commanders to control of the army.  By far, of the commanders, he was the most trusted and respected by Xerxes.
The Persian army crosses the Hellespont on a pontoon bridge.
NOTE: Messengers were sent to Greek cities.  Demanding their symbolic submission through earth and water.  cities that surrendered were forced to add more troops to the already large Persian army.
Mardonius' participation of various battles goes unrecorded.
Athens is captured and burnt.
The Persian navy suffers a crushing defeat at Salamis.
NOTE: Suspecting the failed campaign would be blamed on him, he blamed the Persian allies and offered Xerxes an exit strategy while he remains in Greece to resolve this matter.  Xerxes is satisfied with this plan and gives governorship to Mardonius of what was still in Persian control in Greece.
Secures the retreat to Thessaly.
At this time, the people of Athens prepared to punish the city-states that joined the Persians.
Allied with the Macedonian king, Alexander I.
Using Alexander, offered a truce and ultimatum with the Athenians, but was politely rejected (making sure the Spartans witnessing the event).
Marched to Athens and captured the undefended city.  479
NOTE: Which was still deserted after it had been captured and partically burnt.
Sent another message for the Athenians to surrender.
Upon hearing word of the Spartans march to Attica to assist them, he sacks and abandons Athens.
Marched north into Boeotia.
Built a fortress near Thebes.
Skimishes occur for the next two months.  April/May 479
The Greek army moved north to Eleusis; positioning itself in the foothills of Mount Cithaeron.
Mardonius positioned his army along the Asopos river.
Sent his cavalry to harass the Greeks, this continued until Masistius, their commander, was thrown form his horse and killed.
NOTE: His men failed to recover the body.  This tested the morale of the Persian army.
The Greeks emerged from the foothills onto the plains of Plataea arrayed themselves relative to their city-state origin.
Athenians formed the left wing; Spartans formed the right (the Tegeans were in the middle).
Sacrifices were made for 10 days, but each result for Mardonius was a bad omen (small skirmishes occurred each day).
Mardonius began preparations for combat on the 11th day.
NOTE: Alexander I successfully warns the Greeks about the attack.  During the night, the Spartans and Athenians switched positions.
Viewing his best troops were not affront with the Spartans; Mardonius challenged the Spartans in a winner-take-all battle between them and his best troops.  The Spartans refused.

Plataea  479 B.C.
========================================
Mardonius (80,000) vs. Pausanias [Spartan General] (110,000)
The Greeks positioned themselves on the Asopus ridge, terrain rough on expected cavalry attacks.  They also had 5,000 Spartan warriors in the army, the largest among of Spartans ever gathered for battle.  However, their supply line had to be delivered along the Asopus river.  Mardonius sent the Persian cavalry against the Greek infantry.  The cavalry was somewhat successful as they pried the Greeks from the river.  Fighting continued for the rest of the day.  By day's end, the Greeks retreated to a better tactical location.  The next morning, viewing the retreat as a sign of weakness, Mardonius, leading the way, sends in his best troops.  Much of the combat took place around the temple of Hera.  The Persian troops were unable to penetrate the Greek lines as the long spears bested the short, Persian sword and spears.  The Greeks were able to surround Mardonius and Aeimnestus, a Spartan, kill him.
NOTE: Despite the Spartans' refusal to initiate the act, the Greeks cut the head off of Mardonius and placed on a stake (much like the same fate Leonidas at Thermopylae).  He body was never recovered.
Artabazus, upon becoming the new military commander of the Persian force, ordered an immediate retreat.
Inaccurate losses, however, it is traditionally safe to say that the loser had large number killed and the winner had a much smaller number (Herodotus suggests 159)
NOTE: The Greeks later attack the Persian fortress near Thebes.
NOTE: Mycale supposively took place on the same day.  The Greek navy destroys the Persian fleet, effectively destroying Persian dominance in the Aegean sea.

CONGO NOTE
Mardonius seemed like a good negotiator.  However, it seems that anything he touched in Greece turned bad for the Persians.  Even his negotiation skills fell apart.  Not really a good military commander, but he was a big player on the losing side of big events.







SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardonius
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Plataea
www.herodotuswebsite.co.uk/marathon.htm
http://www.herodotuswebsite.co.uk/plataea.htm
http://messagenet.com/myths/ppt/Mardonius_1.html

Edited by Travis Congleton