Agesilaus II vs Phocion

Agesilaus II led a Spartan expedition to Asia Minor to liberate Greek cities from Persian control. He campaigned successfully against Persian satraps, winning several battles and gaining tribute, but was recalled to Greece due to the outbreak of the Corinthian War.

Agesilaus II defeated a coalition of Greek states (Thebes, Athens, Argos, Corinth) at Coronea in Boeotia. The battle was a tactical victory for Sparta but costly, and Agesilaus was wounded. It solidified his reputation as a capable commander.

During the Theban invasion of Laconia led by Epaminondas, Agesilaus II organized the defense of Sparta itself, which had not been threatened in centuries. He successfully prevented the capture of the city, though the Thebans ravaged the countryside.

Agesilaus II traveled to Egypt as a mercenary commander to support King Tachos against the Persian Empire. He later switched sides to support a rival claimant, Nectanebo II, in exchange for payment, demonstrating his pragmatism and need for funds for Sparta.

Phocion consistently argued against war with Macedon, advocating for peace and cooperation with Philip II and Alexander the Great. He opposed Demosthenes's war policies, believing Athens was too weak to resist Macedonian power. This stance made him unpopular with the democratic faction.

Phocion led the Athenian resistance against the Macedonian general Antipater during the Lamian War. After the Athenian defeat at Crannon, he negotiated a peace treaty that imposed a Macedonian garrison and oligarchic government. Phocion was appointed as the head of the new government.

After the death of Antipater, the Athenian democracy was restored under Polyperchon. Phocion was recalled from exile, put on trial for treason, and condemned to death. He was forced to drink hemlock. His execution was later regretted by the Athenians, who gave him a public funeral.