The Real 300:The Battle of Thermopylae

Just Like This, Right?

2007 Film

Outline

1. Spartans and Persians

2. Lead-up to the battle

3. The battle

4. Significance

The Spartans

Fierce warriors known for legendary fighting ability

Saw death in battle as a great honor

Raised as warriors from a young age

Members of one of many city-states in Greece

Persians

.

Persians Continued

Empire covered much of the current Middle East and was the largest at the time of the wars (400's BCE)

Contrary to the film 300's depiction, the Emperor Darius actually freed slaves where they ruled

Was said to have a 1,000,000 man army.

Persian Empire ruling much of the developed world Emperor Darius had actually freed slaves during his

rule, but still conquered Unsuccessful Ionian revolts from 499-494 angered

Darius Ambassadors were sent to collect earth and water

from Greeks Executed in Athens and Sparta (actually thrown

down a well) Darius dies before action. Xerxes takes over

Transportation will be hard. Or will it?

Xerxes builds the first pontoon bridge ever Macedonians are in shock and immediately

surrender Persians are now within striking distance of city

states

Preparing for Battle

In 480 BCE a united Greek council meets to discuss the issues

The Athenians will lead up a sea battle

Spartans will lead a stand at the hot gates at Thermopylae, a bottle neck to slow the advance.

A Sad Prophecy

As before all major events, the Spartans consult the Oracle at Delphi

It is predicted that their loved ones will die, or the Spartans will mourn the loss of a king

Leonidas takes up the mission

Spartan Weaponry

Large bronze shields Bronze chest plates Helmets varied by rank Spear “dory” was the

main weapon and was nine feet long

Also used either a “kopis” or a “xiphos” short sword for stabbing

The Immortals

Wicker shields were ineffective against Spartans

Scale armor under robes did not protect from Spartan weapons

Short daggers and spears were ineffective against hoplite tactics

Hood could be pulled over the face to add mysterious element

Day 1

Easy work for the Spartans

Xerxes sends first wave only to get slaughtered. 2 or 3 Greek casualties

Later he sends the Immortals who fare no better

Day 2

Persians attack again thinking the Spartans are weak

Once again, the Persians are slaughtered

A Trachinian traitor named Ephialtes tells Xerxes he has an idea

Day 3

20,000 Persians march around the mountain pass

Leonidas hears of the move and chooses to stay and fight

The Spartans fight to their death and die valiantly

Significance

Potentially 20,000 Persians killed by a small Greek force

Significance is greatly debated Some argue that it was simply a Greek defeat Others say it was an important delay for eventual

victory For certain, it was an act of courage at the very least.

Hanson, Victor Davis. The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Classical Greece. New York:

Alfred A. Knopf, 1989

Holland, Tom (2006). Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West. New York: Doubleday.

The Last Stand of the 300. The History Channel, 2007. DVD.