Page:History of Greece Vol XI.djvu/526

 500 HISTORY OF GREECE ed a chosen body of troops on the wing opposed to the Athenians. while his youthful son, Alexander, aided by experienced officers, commanded against the Thebans on the other wing. Respecting the course of the battle, we ai e scarcely permitted to know any- thing. It is said to have besn so obstinately contested, that foi some time the result was doubtful. The Sacred Band of Thebes, who charged in one portion of the Theban phalanx, exhausted all their strength and energy in an unavailing attempt to bear down the stronger phalanx and multiplied pikes opposed to them. The youthful Alexander 1 here first displayed his great military energy and ability. After a long and murderous struggle, the Theban Sacred Band were all overpowered and perished in their ranks,' 3 while the Theban phalanx was broken and pushed back. Philip on his side was still engaged in undecided conflict with the Athe- nians, whose first onset is said to have been so impetuous, as to put to flight some of the troops in his army ; insomuch that the Athenian general exclaimed in triumph, " Let us pursue them even to Macedonia." 3 It is farther said that Philip on his side simulated a retreat, for the purpose of inducing them to pursue and to break their order. We read another statement, more like- ly to be true that the Athenian hoplites, though full of energy at the first shock, could not endure fatigue and prolonged struggle like the trained veterans in the opposite ranks. 4 Having steadily repelled them for a considerable time, Philip became emulous on witnessing the success of his son, and redoubled his efforts ; so as to break and disperse them. The whole Grecian army was thus put to flight with severe loss. 5 1 Diodor. xvi. 85. Alexander himself, after his vast conquests in Asia and shortly before his death, alludes briefly to his own presence at Cluero- ncia, in a speech delivered to his army (Arrian, vii. 9, 5). 2 Plutarch Pelopidas, c. 18. 3 Polyaenus, iv. 2, 2. He mentions Stratokles as the Athenian general from whom this exclamation came. We know from JEschines (adv. Ktesiph. p. 74) that Stratokles was general of the Athenian troops at or near Thebes shortly after the alliance with the Thebans was formed. But it seems that Chares and Lysiklcs commanded at Chteroneia. It is possible, therefore, that the anecdote reported by Polyaenus may refer to one of the earlier bate ties fought, before that of Chroroneia. 4 Polytenus, iv. 2, 7 ; Frbntinus. Diodor. xvi 85, 86.