Year 378 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Tribunate of Medullinus, Fidenas, Lanatus, Siculus, Pulvillus and Macerinus (or, less frequently, year 376 Ab urbe condita). The denomination 378 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.

Events

By place

Greece

• The Theban general and statesman, Epaminondas, takes command of Thebes. Pelopidas is elected boeotarch, or chief magistrate, of the city.
• Timotheus, the son of the Athenian general Conon, is elected strategos of Athens.
• A Spartan attempt to seize Piraeus brings Athens closer to Thebes. The Athenian mercenary, Chabrias, defeats the Spartans in the battle. In fighting the battle, Chabrias invents a new defensive technique; he orders each soldier to receive a charge kneeling on his left knee, with his shield resting on the ground and spear pointed at the enemy.
• Athens allies itself with Thebes and forms the Second Athenian Empire. The confederacy includes most of the Boeotian cities and some of the Ionian islands.

Sicily

• Dionysius I's third war with Carthage proves disastrous. He suffers a crushing defeat at Cronium and is forced to pay an indemnity of 1,000 talents and cede the territory west of the Halycus River to the Carthaginians.

Births

Deaths

References