Sparta would later embark on a period of attempted expansion, in an attempt to build and consolidate a true empire. an attempted invasion of Persia accomplished nothing positive for the Spartans, but it did distract them from their domestic affairs long enough to allow the Athenians to rebuild their city walls and navy.

In its zeal to solidify a true empire, Sparta eventually overstepped its bounds when it captured the city of Thebes, a former ally against the Persians, without provocation. Athens, with it's rebuilt military, allied itself with Thebes, and together, they defeated the Spartans in 371 BC.(2)

This ended pretty much forever the Spartan control of Greece. Eventually, Sparta and the rest of the Greek city-states would be conquered and ruled by Philip of Macedon, and later, his son Alexander the Great.(1)