# Lysander

> Spartan military and political leader (died 395 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q143559](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q143559)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysander)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lysander

## Summary
Lysander was a Spartan military and political leader who died in 395 BC. He is best known for his role in the Peloponnesian War, particularly the Battle of Haliartus, where he suffered a significant setback against Thebes. His legacy includes being honored with an apotheosis and an honorific statue, cementing his status as a notable figure in ancient Greek history.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Spartan (city-state of ancient Greece)
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Leading Spartan forces during the Peloponnesian War and the Battle of Haliartus
- Employer(s): Sparta
- Field(s): Military leadership, politics

## Contributions
Lysander played a key role in the Peloponnesian War, engaging in major battles such as the Battle of Aegospotami (405 BCE) and the Battle of Notium (406 BCE). His most notable defeat occurred at the Battle of Haliartus in 395 BCE, where Spartan forces were defeated by Thebes. His leadership and military actions during this period shaped the course of the war.

## FAQs
**What was Lysander's role in the Peloponnesian War?**
Lysander was a Spartan military leader who commanded forces during the Peloponnesian War, participating in key battles such as Aegospotami and Notium. His most significant engagement was the Battle of Haliartus, where he suffered a decisive defeat against Thebes.

**Where did Lysander serve?**
Lysander served as a military and political leader in Sparta, the city-state of ancient Greece, during the late 5th and early 4th centuries BCE.

**What were Lysander's notable military achievements?**
Lysander is best remembered for his role in the Battle of Haliartus (395 BCE), where Spartan forces were defeated by Thebes, marking a significant setback in the Peloponnesian War.

## Why They Matter
Lysander's military leadership during the Peloponnesian War had a lasting impact on the balance of power between Athens and Sparta. His defeat at Haliartus weakened Spartan dominance and contributed to the eventual Athenian victory. His legacy is preserved through historical accounts and honors, including apotheosis and statues, which reflect his importance in ancient Greek military history.

## Notable For
- Led Spartan forces in the Peloponnesian War, including the Battle of Aegospotami (405 BCE) and the Battle of Notium (406 BCE).
- Suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Haliartus (395 BCE) against Thebes, a pivotal moment in the war.
- Honored posthumously with apotheosis and an honorific statue, solidifying his legacy in Spartan history.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Lysander was a Spartan military and political leader who lived during the late 5th and early 4th centuries BCE. Little is known about his early life, but he emerged as a prominent figure in Spartan politics and military command during the Peloponnesian War.

### Military Leadership and the Peloponnesian War
Lysander's military career was defined by his participation in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE), a conflict between Athens and Sparta. He commanded Spartan forces in several major engagements, including the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BCE and the Battle of Notium in 406 BCE. These battles were crucial in shaping the war's outcome, with Lysander's leadership playing a significant role in Spartan military strategy.

### The Battle of Haliartus and Defeat
Lysander's most notable military engagement was the Battle of Haliartus in 395 BCE, where he led Spartan forces against Thebes. The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for Sparta, marking a turning point in the Peloponnesian War. This setback weakened Spartan dominance and contributed to the eventual Athenian victory.

### Legacy and Honors
Lysander's legacy is preserved through historical accounts and honors. He was posthumously glorified through apotheosis, a ritual that elevated him to a divine status. Additionally, an honorific statue was erected in his honor, reflecting his importance in Spartan history. These honors underscore his role as a key figure in the Peloponnesian War and his lasting impact on ancient Greek military history.

### Influence on Spartan History
Lysander's military leadership and strategic decisions during the Peloponnesian War had a lasting influence on Spartan history. His defeat at Haliartus demonstrated the limitations of Spartan military power and contributed to the shift in the war's dynamics. His legacy continues to be studied by historians, providing insights into the complexities of ancient Greek warfare and politics.

## References

1. datos.bne.es
2. Life of Lysander
3. Description of Greece
4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
8. Enciclopedia Treccani
9. Dizionario di Storia