 Rather than take the expected easier route into Boeotia through the usual defile, the Spartans marched over the hills via Thisbae and took the fortress of Creusis (along with twelve Theban warships) before the Thebans were aware of their presence, and then proceeded to Leuctra where they were confronted by the Boeotian army.Initially, the six Boeotian generals (i.e.the Boeotarchs) present were divided as to whether to offer battle, with Epaminondas being the main advocate in favor of battle.