The legendary battle has been memorialized in literature and history as an iconic example of heroic resistance against insurmountable odds
In early June of 480 B.C., a mighty Persian army crossed the Dardanelles strait on two pontoon bridges to continue a brutal advance into Greece. Led by the great king Xerxes, the troops were bound for Thermopylae, a narrow mountain pass named for the area’s hot sulfur springs .
The Athenian politician and general Themistocles led the Greek naval opposition, blocking the Persian fleet at the strait of Artemisium. Leonidas, king of Sparta, commanded the ground forces at Thermopylae: 300 members of his royal Spartan bodyguard, called the—the subjects of countless books, movies, poems, and songs—along with a lesser-celebrated contingent of 7,000 soldiers in all, including 1,000 Phocians, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans.On this ceramic plate from the fifth century B.C.
Xerxes set up camp near Thermopylae and bided his time for four days. He was convinced that the Greeks, upon seeing his mighty army, would be overcome with fear and retreat. According to Plutarch, he sent a messenger to Leonidas urging him to lay down his arms, but the Spartan king, according to Plutarch, replied, “On the fifth day, the Persian attack began. Their advantage in numbers was of no benefit in this tight space, as Leonidas had anticipated.
The next day the Persians attacked and were again unsuccessful. That is when a local Greek shepherd named Ephialtes handed them the secret to victory. Ephialtes told Xerxes about the Anopaia path, which led around the mountain ridge and ended behind the Greek positions, beside the eastern end of the pass. In exchange for a handsome reward, he promised to show the Persian soldiers the way.
Leonidas left the protection of the narrow gorge and took up position in an open area. While dangerously exposed, he was better placed to deploy his men and kill the greatest number of enemies. The Greeks, knowing that death was the only possible outcome, fought in a heedless frenzy. When their spears were broken, they drew their swords and continued to fight.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Parenting, Baby Names, Celebrities, and Royal News | CafeMom.com
Les mer »
Khloe Kardashian makes swipe at Tristan Thompson's betrayal in cryptic messageKhloé Kardashian took to Instagram on Thursday to seemingly take aim at ex Tristan Thompson as the basketball star is spotted with another mystery woman
Les mer »
Did Khloe Kardashian Just Call Out Tristan Thompson's 'Betrayal'? You Decide - E! OnlineKhloe Kardashian's latest Instagram photo is turning heads with not just the photo alone, but some fans are paying close attention to her caption, since it sends a message about 'betrayal.'
Les mer »
Why You Should Befriend Your EmotionsBattling our emotions tends to backfire. There's a better way to cope with difficult feelings, explains Erin_K_Walsh
Les mer »
Tennessee School Board Stands by Maus BanThe McMinn County Board of Education released an official statement responding to the 'Maus' ban backlash
Les mer »
Gold Forecast: Gold Markets Get Absolutely CrushedGold markets gapped lower to kick off the trading session on Thursday to show a massive amount of negative pressure.
Les mer »