|
Pelopidas was born at Thebes, around
410 BC. His father Hippokles, belonged to the very few in number,
rich aristocrats of Thebes. In his youth, he inherited from him a very
large fortune, which he used for the good of his homeland. We don't know
if Epameinondas played a role in this, but without draining his fortune,
he helped others in need, spending for himself no more than an ordinary
man.
When his friends learned that he gave a big part of his fortune to help
the poor of Thebes, they told him to stop doing this, otherwise he would
become one of them. At this time a very poor man, called Nikodemos, was
passing and Pelopidas showing him, told them "money are needed
to the blind and lame Nikodemos, who is unable to work and not to me".
He used to say that riches only with virtue are useful. In another
instance he remarked: "I would be ashamed to spend more money
than a poor Theban".
He was very close to his elder friend Epameinondas, from his youth, but
their friendship was reinforced after a battle against the Arcadians, in
385 BC, when seven times wounded fell on the ground. Epameinondas rushed
to protect his friend, receiving also many wounds by a spear on his
breast and from a sword in his arm. When he was also ready to fall,
Agesipolis, king of Spartans, came and saved both their lives, beyond
all expectations.
He was like Epameinondas, indifferent in money and fame.
In 379 BC, he was one of the leading men, who plotted for the freedom of
his city, which was occupied by the Spartans. For his actions, he was
elected Boeotarch of Thebes (chief magistrate) and leader of the Sacred
Band. It was him who defeated the Spartans for the first time at Tegyra,
with an army only half in number.
Pelopidas loved his homeland, more than anything else and he was not
taking care of himself in the battles. In one expedition, his wife with
tears in her eyes knowing his impulsive character, asked him to take
care of himself. Pelopidas answered "obligation of the leader is
to take care of the lives of others and not his".
In 371 BC, again he distinguished himself in the battle of Leuktra, when
leading the Sacred Band, the Theban army defeated Sparta.
Pelopidas also showed skill in diplomacy, when he was sent to Persia, to
nominate Thebes as the leader of Greece. (Persia was the mediator in the
city-states of Greece, after the peace of Antalkidas). Pelopidas was
successful in his mission and Messene, as well Amphipolis were
declared independent and Thebes was appointed the head of Greece.
In an expedition in Thessaly, Pelopidas was seized from Alexander,
tyrant of Pherae, but he was released after two expeditions by the
Thebans.
Showing total disregard for his life, he was killed in 364 BC, in a
combat, in which he defeated Alexander at Kynos Kephalae. |
