During the Carneia, military activity was forbidden by Spartan law; the Spartans had arrived too late at the Battle of Marathon because of this requirement. "[58] Herodotus reports a similar comment, but attributes it to Dienekes. Seeking the counsel of Demaratus, an exiled Spartan king in his retinue, Xerxes was told the Spartans were preparing for battle, and it was their custom to adorn their hair when they were about to risk their lives. That boosted the morale of all Greek soldiers in the second Persian invasion. It is also the hill on which the last of them died. Od. [37] By early 480 BC, the preparations were complete, and the army which Xerxes had mustered at Sardis marched towards Europe, crossing the Hellespont on two pontoon bridges. [30][31] This meant that Sparta was also effectively at war with Persia. To Xerxes that which was said seemed to be utterly incredible, and he asked again a second time in what manner being so few they would fight with his host. Herodotus catalogs the many c... Read More; Book 7, The Battle of Thermopylae: Herodotus notes that while Xerxes ostensibly meant to punish Athens, his real intent was to conquer all of Greece. [7.213] Then when the king was in a strait as to what he should do in the matter before him, Ephialtes the son of Eurydemos, a Malian, came to speech with him, supposing that he would win a very great reward from the king; and this man told him of the path which leads over the mountain to Thermopylae, and brought about the destruction of those Greeks who remained in that place. Be assured however, that if thou shalt subdue these and the rest of them which remain behind in Sparta, there is no other race of men which will await thy onset, O king, or will raise hands against thee: for now thou art about to fight against the noblest kingdom and city of those which are among the Greeks, and the best men." To the rest of the Peloponnesians then it seemed best that they should go to the Peloponnese and hold the Isthmus in guard; but Leonidas, when the Phokians and Locrians were indignant at this opinion, gave his vote for remaining there, and for sending at the same time messengers to the several states bidding them to come up to help them, since they were but few to repel the army of the Medes. this place: These were they who came from the Peloponnese; and from the Boeotians. Either your glorious town shall be sacked by the children of Perseus, [80] Leonidas was made aware of this path by local people from Trachis, and he positioned a detachment of Phocian troops there in order to block this route. Today, it is considered to have been much smaller. Translation by American historian, Professor J. Rufus Fears in his Ancient Greeks lectures for the. [47], The Persian army seems to have made slow progress through Thrace and Macedon. [40] However, the Athenians lacked the manpower to fight on both land and sea; therefore, combating the Persians would require an alliance of Greek city-states. [29], Darius sent emissaries to all the Greek city-states in 491 BC asking for a gift of "earth and water" as tokens of their submission to him. This page was created in 2008; last modified on 16 July 2020. When the nations try to meet for diplomacy, their efforts fail. The Greeks were offered their freedom, the title "Friends of the Persian People", and the opportunity to re-settle on land better than that they possessed. Although no obstacle to individuals, such terrain would not be passable by an army and its baggage train. v (Milan, 1924)-hereafter, Giannelli), p. 21, dates the battle of Thermopylae … The Battle of Thermopylae was the initial engagement between the Persian Empire and the confederation of Greek city-states led by Sparta during the Second Persian Invasion of Greece in … Demaratus called them "the bravest men in Greece" and warned the Great King they intended to dispute the pass. And they send the fleet to guard Artemisium. by "The Classical Quarterly"; History Literature, writing, book reviews Languages and … This precipitates in the Battle of Thermopylae where the Greeks hold a narrow pass for three days with only three hundred men or so. [78] The major weak point for the Greeks was the mountain track which led across the highland parallel to Thermopylae, that could allow their position to be outflanked. Battle. Herodotus suggests they were brought to the battle as hostages to ensure the good behavior of Thebes. A plate below the statue explains its symbolism: The monument to the Thespians is placed beside the one to the Spartans. With the sea on one side and steep, impassable hills on the other, King Leonidas and his men chose the perfect topographical position to battle the Persian invaders. The fame of Thermopylae is thus principally derived not from its effect on the outcome of the war but for the inspirational example it set. [25][26] Darius, moreover, was a Residing in the direct path of the Persian advance, they gave all the fighting men they had - according to Pausanias 6,000 men - which added to Herodotus' 5,200 would have given a force of 11,200. The Greeks allowed him to come up to the camp, observe them, and depart. [66] Modern scholarly estimates are generally in the range 120,000–300,000. [110] Also present were the 400 Thebans and probably the helots who had accompanied the Spartans. The main source for the battle of 480 is Herodotus, Histories, 7.201-233, which is offered here in the translation by G.C. [139] George Cawkwell suggests that the gap between Thermopylae and Salamis was caused by Xerxes' systematically reducing Greek opposition in Phocis and Boeotia, and not as a result of the Battle of Thermopylae; thus, as a delaying action, Thermopylae was insignificant compared to Xerxes' own procrastination. Activity 3. ("Agamemnon", "Hom. Anopaea behind the cliffs that flanked the pass. [44], Themistocles, therefore, suggested a second strategy to the Greeks: the route to southern Greece (Boeotia, Attica, and the Peloponnesus) would require Xerxes' army to travel through the very narrow pass of Thermopylae, which could easily be blocked by the Greek hoplites, despite the overwhelming numbers of Persians. For instance, Plutarch recounts, in his Sayings of Spartan Women, upon his departure, Leonidas' wife Gorgo asked what she should do if he did not return, to which Leonidas replied, "Marry a good man and have good children. Since however Cleomenes had died without male child, and Dorieus was then no longer alive, but he also had brought his life to an end in Sicily, thus the kingdom came to Leonidas, both because was of elder birth than Cleombrotus (for Cleombrotus was the youngest of the sons of Anaxandrides) and also because he had in marriage the daughter of Cleomenes. [43], The "congress" met again in the spring of 480 BC. "—as in answer to Xerxes' demand that the Greeks give up their weapons). [27] Darius also saw the opportunity to expand his empire into the fractious world of Ancient Greece. https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Thermopylae-Greek-history-480-BC Screenplay by Wendell Mayes, based on the novel "Incident at Muc Wa" by Daniel Ford. Histories Book 8 Summary & Analysis Book 8 Summary Book 8 traces the movements of the Greek and Persian forces after the battle of Thermopylae, as Xerxes continues his march toward Attica. Some English renderings are given in the table below. The Greeks get ready for the big battle. Furthermore, the numbers changed later on in the battle when most of the army retreated and only approximately 3,000 men remained (300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, 400 Thebans, possibly up to 900 helots, and 1,000 Phocians stationed above the pass, less the casualties sustained in the previous days). The remaining soldiers fought to the death. All content copyright © 1995–2020 Livius.org. *The battle occured because the forces of xerxes1, king of persia marched through Thrace and Macedon on their way to Greece. [100] According to Ctesias, the first wave was "cut to ribbons", with only two or three Spartans killed in return. . [86], On the fifth day after the Persian arrival at Thermopylae and the first day of the battle, Xerxes finally resolved to attack the Greeks. Simonides, Ephorus, and Herodotus on the battle of Thermopylae. The performance of the defenders is also used as an example of the advantages of training, equipment, and good use of terrain as force multipliers and has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds. Their main concern was to defend their city, since they weren’t willing to run away. Both ancient and modern writers have used the Battle of Thermopylae as an example of the power of a patriotic army defending its native soil. Xerxes found the scout's reports of the size of the Greek force, and that the Spartans were indulging in callisthenics and combing their long hair, laughable. During these wars there was the Battle of Marathon where the first world-record marathon time was supposedly set. First, he ordered 5,000 archers to shoot a barrage of arrows, but they were ineffective; they shot from at least 100 yards away, according to modern day scholars, and the Greeks' wooden shields (sometimes covered with a very thin layer of bronze) and bronze helmets deflected the arrows. [108] Some of the Greeks argued for withdrawal, but Leonidas resolved to stay at the pass with the Spartans. He ex... Read More; Book 8, The Battle of Artemisium: Herodotus records the size and composition of the Greek fleet—271 ships in total. Book seven of the histories of Herodotus. After an … They will read from Herodotus's account of the battle at Thermopylae, the narrow pass where 300 Spartans and their Greek allies made their last-ditch stand against tens of thousands of Xerxes's … [84], Today, the pass is not near the sea, but is several kilometres inland because of sedimentation in the Malian Gulf. [106] He feared they were Spartans but was informed by Ephialtes that they were not. Leonidas, aware that his force was being outflanked, dismissed the bulk of the Greek army and remained to guard their retreat with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians. ", Barkworth, 1993. He emphasized that he had tried to warn Xerxes earlier in the campaign, but the king had refused to believe him. Most of the Thebans reportedly surrendered. of History, US Military Academy (CC BY-SA) Thermopylae is a mountain pass near the sea in northern Greece which was the site of several battles in antiquity, the most famous being that between Persians and Greeks in August 480 BCE. [19], On the Battle of Thermopylae itself, two principal sources, Herodotus' and Simonides' accounts, survive. The answer was: all the other men were participating in the Olympic Games. The primary source for the Greco-Persian Wars is the Greek historian Herodotus. [134] However, within the context of the Persian invasion, Thermopylae was undoubtedly a defeat for the Greeks. According to Herodotus[53][69] and Diodorus Siculus,[70] the Greek army included the following forces: Pausanias' account agrees with that of Herodotus (whom he probably read) except that he gives the number of Locrians, which Herodotus declined to estimate. [7.219] To the Greeks who were in Thermopylae first the soothsayer Megistias, after looking into the victims which were sacrificed, declared the death which was to come to them at dawn of day; and afterwards deserters brought the report of the Persians having gone round. The Sicilian historian Diodorus Siculus, writing in the 1st century BC in his Bibliotheca historica, also provides an account of the Greco-Persian wars, partially derived from the earlier Greek historian Ephorus. The Athenian politician and general Themistocles had proposed that the allied Greeks block the advance of the Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae, while simultaneously blocking the Persian navy at the Straits of Artemisium. (Godley translation) or otherwise, "Ye Gods, Mardonius, what men have you brought us to fight against? [97] The weaker shields, and shorter spears and swords of the Persians prevented them from effectively engaging the Greek hoplites. Herodotus' Histories, book 9. summary and comments by Jona Lendering : Twenty-sixth logos: the battle of Plataea (9.1-89) When Mardonius learns that the Athenians are not willing to come to terms, he … [7.206] These with Leonidas the Spartans had sent out first, in order that seeing them, the other allies might join in the campaign, and for fear that they would side with the Medes if they heard that the Spartans were putting off their action. Thermopylae (Greek Θερμοπύλαι; "Hot Gates"): small pass in Greece, site of several battles, of which the Spartan defeat against the Persian invaders in 480 is the most famous. The outstretched chest symbolizes the struggle, the gallantry, the strength, the bravery and the courage. The battle is revisited in countless adages and works of popular culture, such as in films (e.g., The 300 Spartans (1962) and 300 (2007), based on the events during and close to the time of the battle), in literature, in song (e.g. This account is fairly consistent with Herodotus' writings. However, the following year saw a Greek army decisively defeat the Persians at the Battle of Plataea, thereby ending the Persian invasion. (Herodotus 7.99) After the battle of Thermopylae and the Persian occupation of Attica, King Xerxes consulted his naval commanders about fighting a battle against the Greek fleet, which was gathering … [116] Of the remaining defenders, Herodotus says: "Here they defended themselves to the last, those who still had swords using them, and the others resisting with their hands and teeth. If they had all remained at the pass, they would have been encircled and would eventually have all been killed. The event was later recorded by Herodotus, who … [106] The Thespians, resolved as they were not to submit to Xerxes, faced the destruction of their city if the Persians took Boeotia. Home » Sources » Content » Herodotus » Herodotus on Thermopylae, About Pictures Sources Countries Languages Categories Tags Thanks FAQ Donate Contact Articles Stubs. Xerxes delayed for four days, waiting for the Greeks to disperse, before sending troops to attack them.[62]. [111], The most likely theory is that Leonidas chose to form a rearguard so that the other Greek contingents could get away. Herodotus, The Histories A. D. Godley, Ed. The task force then moved on Eretria, which it besieged and destroyed. [44] A force of 10,000 hoplites was dispatched to the Vale of Tempe, through which they believed the Persian army would have to pass. [32], Darius thus put together an amphibious task force under Datis and Artaphernes in 490 BC, which attacked Naxos, before receiving the submission of the other Cycladic Islands. [36] Since this was to be a full-scale invasion, it required long-term planning, stockpiling, and conscription. 9.1", "denarius") All Search Options [view abbreviations] Home Collections/Texts Perseus Catalog Research Grants Open Source About … There is an experiment to begin this book to prove the age of Phrygia. [169] While this anniversary will take place in 2021, the coins show the dates 2020 and 480 BC and the text "2,500 years since the Battle of Thermopylae. After the second day, a local resident named Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by revealing a small path used by shepherds. The ambassador told Leonidas that Xerxes would offer him the kingship of all Greece if he joined with Xerxes. [51] However, as Plutarch long ago pointed out, if they were hostages, why not send them away with the rest of the Greeks? [103] The Immortals had been bloodied on the first day, so it is possible that Hydarnes may have been given overall command of an enhanced force including what was left of the Immortals; according to Diodorus, Hydarnes had a force of 20,000 for the mission. The monument is made of marble and features a bronze statue depicting the god Eros, to whom the ancient Thespians accorded particular religious veneration. [17] For example, the military strategist Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart defers to Grundy. usurper and had spent considerable time extinguishing revolts against his rule. On the first day, Xerxes sent his Median and Kissian troops, and after their failure to clear the … Herodotus Excerpts from Book VII of The Histories Translated and Edited by A.D. Godley, 1921-24 CCI. It was held at the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae ("The Hot Gates") in August or September 480 BC. The stranger is also asked to stress that the Spartans died 'fulfilling their orders'. Leonidas answered: "If you had any knowledge of the noble things of life, you would refrain from coveting others' possessions; but for me to die for Greece is better than to be the sole ruler over the people of my race. Leonidas' famous response to the Persians was "Molṑn labé" (Μολὼν λαβέ - literally, "having come, take [them]", but usually translated as "come and take them"). [45] Shortly afterwards, they received the news that Xerxes had crossed the Hellespont. The heroic battles near Athens- at Marathon (490 BCE), Thermopylae, Salamis, and finally Plataea (479 BCE) were classical Greek's crowning military achievements, and Herodotus was determined to record these great deeds for future generations (particularly in view of the ignominious and disastrous Peloponnesian Wars that followed). Herodotus – The Histories, Book 7, “Polymnia” [138-239] – Battle of Thermopylae. Cicero recorded a Latin variation in his Tusculanae Disputationes (1.42.101): Additionally, there is a modern monument at the site, called the "Leonidas Monument" by Vassos Falireas, in honour of the Spartan king. [129] He left a hand-picked force, under Mardonius, to complete the conquest the following year. Xerxes … A variant of the epigram is inscribed on the Polish Cemetery at Monte Cassino. In universal terms, a small, free people had willingly outfought huge numbers of imperial subjects who advanced under the lash. [100] Xerxes at last stopped the assault and withdrew to his camp, "totally perplexed". The battle of Thermopylae (7.138-239) The Aegean world. The Sicilian historian Diodorus Siculus, writing in the 1st century BC in his Bibliotheca historica, also provides an account of the Greco-Persian wars, partially derived from the earlier Greek historian Ephorus. Under the statue, a sign reads: "In memory of the seven hundred Thespians.". [138][141] Thermopylae is famous because of the heroism of the doomed rearguard, who, despite facing certain death, remained at the pass. [38] According to Herodotus, Xerxes' army was so large that, upon arriving at the banks of the Echeidorus River, his soldiers proceeded to drink it dry. [51] This expedition was to try to gather as many other Greek soldiers along the way as possible and to await the arrival of the main Spartan army.[50]. [26] Darius then died whilst preparing to march on Egypt, and the throne of Persia passed to his son Xerxes I. [78], Militarily, although the battle was actually not decisive in the context of the Persian invasion, Thermopylae is of some significance on the basis of the first two days of fighting. [7.205] For as he had two brothers each older than himself, namely Cleomenes and Dorieus, he had been far removed from the thought of becoming king. The performance of the defenders is used as an example of the advantages of training, equipment, and good use of terrain as force multipliers.[144]. [38], After the Persians' departure, the Greeks collected their dead and buried them on the hill. He added that if Xerxes ever managed to subdue the Spartans, "there is no other nation in all the world which will venture to lift a hand in their defence. [7.203] In addition to these, the Locrians of Opus had been summoned to come in their full force, and of the Phocians a thousand: for the Greeks had of themselves sent a summons to them, saying by messengers that they had come as forerunners of the others, that the rest of the allies were to be expected every day, that their sea was safely guarded, being watched by the Athenians and the Aeginetans and by those who had been appointed to serve in the fleet, and that they need fear nothing: for it was not a god, they said, who was coming to attack Greece, but a man; and there was no mortal, nor would be any, with those fortunes evil had not been mingled at his very birth, and the greatest evils for the greatest men; therefore he also who was marching against them, being mortal, would be destined to fail of his expectation. Then the ambassador told Leonidas that Xerxes and his forces as the number for the of. 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