IV century BC. Sparta is one of the largest policies of Ancient Greece, which did not know civil upheavals, and its army never retreated before the enemy. “With a shield or on a shield” - with such parting words mothers saw off their sons to war. This time the brave Spartiates will have to fight the famous Theban commanders - Pelopidas and Epaminondas. But war is not only about battles, but about cunning intrigues and seductive spies in the enemy’s camp. The fight will not be easy and may the strongest win! The new historical novel by the famous writer Vadim Shchukin recreates in detail and colorfully the picture of ancient Greek wars of the late classical period.