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.
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.
The Battle of Thermopylae: Day Two
On the second day, the Persian forces made another attempt to break through the Greek defense. The medians, a second-tier force, were tasked with engaging the Greeks. They suffered heavy losses but managed to hold their ground. However, during this time, a secret path was discovered by the Persians, allowing them to surround and attack the Greeks from the rear. This forced Leonidas and his remaining troops, including 700 men from Thespia and 400 Thebans, to retreat to a hill where they made their final stand.
The Battle of Thermopylae: Day Three
On the third and final day of the battle, the Persian forces unleashed a barrage of arrows, causing severe casualties among the remaining Greek defenders. Despite being outnumbered and facing certain defeat, Leonidas and his troops fought fiercely, using their teeth and nails when their weapons broke. The Spartans and Thespians fought to the last man, refusing to surrender. Only the Thebans surrendered and were subsequently branded as slaves by the Persians.
Legacy and Controversies
The Battle of Thermopylae left a lasting legacy, symbolizing the courage, endurance, and sacrifice of the Greek forces against overwhelming odds. Leonidas and his 300 Spartans became legendary figures, celebrated for their heroism. However, debates persist regarding the true motives of the Spartans and the strategic significance of the battle. Some argue that Leonidas deliberately chose a suicidal mission, while others believe the battle was the result of strategic miscalculations. Despite the controversies, the Battle of Thermopylae remains a pivotal event in history.
August 480BC; the might of the Persian army, roughly 100,000 soldiers, face down a few thousand Greeks, led by Leonidas and his brave 300. In light of their overwhelming advantage, an embassy of Xerxes asks the Spartans to lay down their weapons. Their response, 'come and get them'. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Paul Cartledge to discuss the heroic last stand of Leonidas and the 300 at Thermopylae.
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