The Sword of Thebes

In 431 BC, Plataea, in Boeotia, Hellas, was invaded by neighbouring Thebes, and caught up in the fight to save the city was a travelling play-actor by the name of Clytes of Eleusis. Due to his extraordinary bravery he was awarded an extravagant gold-hilted sword taken from a captured Theban boeotarch. He later believes the weapon to be cursed and it passes to Stephanos of Plataea, an ardent patriot, to be borne throughout many battles during the long, brutal war, until he too is compelled to relinquish The Sword of Thebes.