Epic Facts About The Battle Of Thermopylae And The 300 Spartans
"This is Sparta!"
It’s a battle which has inspired Western thought ever since it happened. We’ve seen it recreated in a graphic novel by Frank Miller, which turned into the extremely popular movie 300 by Zack Snyder. This was the Battle of Thermopylae, a moment which came to define the struggles of the Greek city-states in their wars against the vast Persian Empire. Even though it wasn’t a victory, it was used to hold up the heroism, endurance, and sacrifice of the 300 Spartans who fell holding off hundreds of thousands of Persians. But how much of this story has been fictionalized by the legend? What really happened at Thermopylae? Was it as important as it’s been made out to be? Find out more with these 42 epic facts about the battle that has captured our imaginations for more than 2,000 years.
42. Such a Storyteller
The primary source for the Battle of Thermopylae comes from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, known as the Father of History. To be fair, he was also called the Father of Lies for his tendency to also report on stories that were largely fictional, as well as for his exaggerations. Modern historians have had to take Herodotus’ comments with a grain of salt in search of the truth as opposed to his idea of a better story.
41. Just For the Record
Other ancient sources which commented on the Battle of Thermopylae include an account from the Sicilian historian Diodorus Siculus, whose own account was derived from a previous document on Thermopylae from the Greek historian Ephorus. The account is mostly consistent with the claims made by Herodotus. Aside from that, the battle is mentioned by such historians as Plutarch and Ctesias of Cnidus (yes that was his name).
40. Oh What’s in a Name?
The name "Thermopylae" translates to "Hot Gates" in the original Greek. This name was given to the narrow pass because of the warm sulphur springs which originated there. According to the Greek myths, the mighty warrior Heracles (often Latinized as Hercules) was tricked into putting on clothes which had been soaked in the blood of the Hydra. He was unable to take the clothes off and they began boiling him alive. When he jumped into the waters to cool himself down, the poison actually heated up the water and made it toxic, creating the sulphurous springs that gave the pass its name.
39. So Why Here?
Thermopylae was the ideal battleground for a defense against the Persians to protect the Greek regions such as Peloponnesus, Boeotia, Atticus, and Phocis. Back in antiquity, the pass was very narrow, ideal for a small number of soldiers to hold off a huge number of troops.
