Definition

Proper noun 1. An ancient city in Arcadia, Greece: Mantineia was a significant city-state in ancient Greece, located in the region of Arcadia in the Peloponnese. 2. A historical battle site: Mantineia is most famously known as the location of three major battles fought between various Greek city-states in the classical and Hellenistic periods.

Usage Examples

• The ancient ruins of Mantineia are located in the modern municipality of Tripoli.
• Historians study the Battle of Mantineia in 362 BC to understand the tactics of Theban general Epaminondas.
• The conflicts at Mantineia were pivotal in shaping the balance of power among Greek city-states.

Advanced Usage

• "The Mantineian": Used as a demonym to describe a citizen or something pertaining to the ancient city of Mantineia.
  • The Mantineian cavalry played a crucial role in the battle.

Variants and Related Words

• Mantinea: An alternative, common Latinized spelling of the name.
• Mantineia, Battle of: A standard historical phrase referring to any of the three major conflicts.

Different Meanings

As a proper noun referring to a specific place, "Mantineia" does not have multiple distinct meanings. Its significance is primarily historical and geographical.

Synonyms

• Battle site: (when referring specifically to the location of the conflicts)
• Ancient polis: (when referring to the city-state itself)

Related Idioms and Phrases

There are no common modern English idioms or phrasal verbs derived from "Mantineia." It is used almost exclusively in historical, archaeological, and academic contexts.

Noun

1. the site of three famous battles among Greek city-states: in 418 BC and 362 BC and 207 BC