Over several years of campaigning, the Thebans succeeded in driving Spartan garrisons out of every city in Boeotia but Orchomenus.

[3] In 376 BC, Pelopidas, learning that the Spartan garrison of Orchomenus had gone on an expedition to Locris, set out with the Sacred Band of Thebes and a small force of cavalry, intending to seize the city while it was unguarded.

Accordingly, Pelopidas retreated with his force, but before the Thebans could reach safety at Tegyra, they met the original Spartan garrison returning from Locris.

Pelopidas then ordered the Theban cavalry to charge while the infantry formed up into an abnormally dense formation.

The Spartan force broke and fled, although the Theban pursuit was limited by the proximity of Orchomenus.