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Empire

100. Thermopylae: Xerxes, Leonidas, and the 300

Nov 23, 2023
Professor Paul Cartledge discusses different perspectives on the Battle of Thermopylae, the construction of pontoon bridges, the events leading up to the battle, the location and preparations for battle, a detailed account of the battle, and the drama and appreciation surrounding it.
54:06

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Greeks used a clever tactic of feigning retreat and counterattacking, causing heavy casualties among the Persians.
  • A secret path discovered by the Persians led to the Greeks being surrounded and forced to make their final stand on a hill.

Deep dives

The Battle of Thermopylae: Day One

On the first day of the battle, Leonidas and the Greek forces employed a clever tactic. They feigned retreat, luring the Persian forces into pursuing them. However, when the Persians advanced, the Greeks swiftly turned around and launched a counterattack, causing heavy casualties among the Persians. The Greek shield walls and expert maneuvering allowed them to repel the Persian forces and inflict significant damage.

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