BY JOSEPH FÉLON (1818-1896), 1840

Epaminomadas was a Theban general of the 4th century, who, together with his friend Pelopidas, successfully raised Thebes until it became the most powerful city in all Greece. After numerous victories, notably over the Spartans, he was killed at the Battle of Mantinea in 362 B.C., the news of his death turning victory into defeat.