Source edition
Cornelius Nepos. Cornelii Nepotis Vitae. Fleckeisen, Alfred; Halm, Karl, editors. Leipzig: Teubner, 1886.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This biographical historical work depicts the life and outstanding character of Epaminondas, the great general and statesman of ancient Thebes. The author begins with an introduction cautioning against judging foreign customs by one's own standards, and goes on to describe Epaminondas's noble yet impoverished background, his advanced education, and his exceptional physical and military training. The narrative highlights his selfless nature, including his strict refusal of bribery, and his brilliant eloquence in confronting political rivals and conducting diplomacy. It also recounts how he extended his military command during a national crisis to save his country, and later used his wit to overcome an unjust trial. Finally, the work portrays his dramatic end at the Battle of Mantinea, where he held back death until he was assured of the Boeotian victory. By showing that the prosperity of Thebes ended with his passing, the work illustrates the monumental impact of this single great individual.