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[3] Since Epameinondas had as his instructor a philosopher of the Pythagorean school,1 Philip, who was reared along with him, acquired a wide acquaintance with the Pythagorean philosophy. Inasmuch as both students showed natural ability and diligence they proved to be superior in deeds of valour. Of the two, Epameinondas underwent the most rigorous tests and battles, and invested his fatherland almost miraculously with the leadership of Hellas, while Philip, availing himself of the same initial training, achieved no less fame than Epameinondas.

1 Lysis of Tarentum (see Nepos Epaminondas 2.2). But Wesseling quotes Plut. De Genio Socratis 584b, to show that Lysis died shortly before the deliverance of Thebes. For the education of Epameinondas see Book 15.39.2. According to Plut. Pelopidas 26.5, Philip was a hostage in the house of Pammenes (see Books 15.94.2 and 16.34.1-2) and not in the house of Epameinondas' father, whose name was Polymnus (Nepos Epaminondas 1.1). Certainly Epameinondas had passed his student days when Philip was a hostage, since he had already won the battle of Leuctra.

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