Why did the Athenians ally with the Spartans in the battle of Mantinea (362 B.C.E.)?
A) The Spartans swore to respect Athenian territory if Athens helped them conquer the Thebans.
B) The Persians had begun to attack Greek trading vessels in the Aegean.
C) They hoped to throw off Macedonian rule while Alexander was campaigning in Persia.
D) They feared the growing might of Thebes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Athenians allied with the Spartans in the battle of Mantinea primarily because they were concerned about the increasing power of Thebes. Thebes had become a dominant force in Greek politics, especially after their victory at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 B.C.E., which significantly weakened Spartan power. The Athenians, like the Spartans, saw the rising power of Thebes as a threat to their own influence and security in the region.

Why Did the Athenians Ally with the Spartans in the Battle