The Battle of Thermopylae: How 300 Spartans Held Off Thousands of Persians | DOCUMENTARY

Summary

In the early 5th century BCE, the Achaemenid Empire, under Darius I and later Xerxes I, sought to conquer Greece. Despite superior resources, the Persians faced fierce resistance at the Battle of Marathon and later at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas led a small Greek force against overwhelming odds. The Greeks' tactical use of the phalanx formation and the sacrifice of Leonidas and his 300 Spartans became legendary, symbolizing resistance against tyranny. Although Athens was sacked, the Greeks eventually triumphed at Salamis and Plataea, ending Persian ambitions in Greece.

Takeaways

• 🏺 The Achaemenid Empire under Darius I expanded into Europe, targeting Greece for reasons beyond wealth and resources.
• 🗺️ In 491 BC, Darius demanded Greek submission, leading to the formation of an Athenian-Spartan alliance against Persia.
• 🛡️ The Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE marked the beginning of the Greco-Persian Wars, with the Greeks led by Athens emerging victorious.
• 👑 Darius' death in 486 BCE led to Xerxes I's reign, during which he prepared extensively for the invasion of Greece.
• 🌊 Xerxes' preparations included constructing canals and bridges to facilitate troop movement across the Hellespont.
• 🔮 The Delphic oracle advised Athenians to flee due to the impending Persian threat, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
• 🛡️ Greece initially sent 10,000 hoplites to Tempē but withdrew upon learning of the Persian army's size.
• 🏹 The Greek city-states, despite mistrust, united to dispatch a combined force to defend Thermopylae, a strategic pass.
• 🗡️ The Greeks and Persians represented contrasting styles of warfare, with the Greeks favoring the phalanx formation and the Persians relying on archers and cavalry.
• 🦸‍♂️ King Leonidas of Sparta led the ground forces at Thermopylae, employing a strategy that leveraged the terrain to counter Persia's numerical advantage.
• 🏹 The Battle of Thermopylae saw the Greeks, including Leonidas' 300 Spartans, make a heroic stand against overwhelming Persian forces.
• 🔥 The betrayal by Ephialtes, who revealed the Anopaia path to the Persians, led to the encirclement and ultimate defeat of the Greek forces at Thermopylae.
• 🛑 Despite the defeat, the Greeks regrouped and eventually defeated the Persians at the Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE, ending Xerxes' ambitions in Greece.

Q & A

What was the Achaemenid Empire's primary motive for wanting to conquer Greece in the early 5th century BCE?

The exact reason for Persia's desire to conquer Greece is unclear, but possible motives include increasing the king's prestige at home or eliminating a potential threat posed by rebel states on the empire's western border, rather than acquiring wealth or resources.

How did the Greeks respond to Darius I's demand for submission in 491 BC?

The Greeks responded by executing the envoys sent by Darius I and forming an alliance between Athens and Sparta to defend Greece.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE?

The Greeks, led by Athens, engaged the Persians in the Battle of Marathon and emerged victorious, marking the beginning of a long war that included several other battles.

What preparations did Xerxes I make for the invasion of Greece after becoming king?

Xerxes I made extensive preparations for the invasion, including the establishment of equipment and supply depots, creating a canal in Chalkidike, and constructing boat bridges across the Hellespont to aid in troop movement.

Why was the Greek defensive force at Thermopylae relatively small?

The defending force was small due to various reasons, such as certain Greek city-states being hesitant to send troops so far north and religious considerations during the sacred games at Olympia and the Karneia festival, which prohibited fighting.

Why did the Spartans only send a small group of 300 hoplites to join the Greek defensive force at Thermopylae?

The Spartans sent a small group of 300 hoplites chosen from men with male heirs because they were the best fighters in Greece and had a professional army, despite having an estimated 8,000 available.

What was the primary objective of the Greek fleet of trireme warships positioned off the coast of Artemisium?

The primary objective of the Greek fleet was likely to prevent the Persian fleet from sailing down the inland coast of Lokris and Boeotia.

What was the strategic advantage of the narrow passage at Thermopylae for the Greeks?

The narrow passage at Thermopylae was advantageous for the Greeks as it limited the Persian troops' ability to utilize their numerical superiority or cavalry, allowing the Greeks to overcome the disadvantage of having a smaller army.

How did the Greeks counter the threat of Persian arrows during the Battle of Thermopylae?

The Greeks countered the threat of Persian arrows by feigning a disorganized retreat and then turning on the enemy in the phalanx formation, demonstrating their disciplined mobility.

What was the significance of the traitor Ephialtes in the Battle of Thermopylae?

Ephialtes informed the Persians of an alternative route, the Anopaia path, that allowed them to bypass the majority of the Greek forces and attack their southern flank, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Greeks at Thermopylae.

What were the consequences of the Battle of Thermopylae for the Greeks, despite the defeat?

Despite the defeat, the Battle of Thermopylae became legendary amongst the Greeks for the sacrifice of Leonidas and his men, who defended their way of life against foreign aggression. It also allowed other Greek forces to retreat and regroup, eventually leading to significant victories at Salamis and Plataea.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 The Dawn of the Greco-Persian Wars

The script details the early 5th century BCE, when the Achaemenid Empire under Darius I expanded into Europe, conquering Thrace and Macedonia, and setting sights on Greece. The Greeks, led by Athens, formed an alliance with Sparta to resist Persian advances. The Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE marked the beginning of the conflict, despite Persia's superior resources. Darius' death led to Xerxes I's reign, who prepared extensively for an invasion of Greece, including logistical advancements and troop movements. The Greek city-states, despite internal mistrust, assembled a defensive force at Thermopylae and a naval fleet at Artemisium, showcasing their determination to protect their homeland against the Persian threat.

05:02

🛡️ The Battle of Thermopylae: Strategy and Sacrifice

King Leonidas of Sparta devised a strategy to use the narrow passage of Thermopylae to counter the Persian numerical advantage. The Greek phalanx formation proved effective against the Persian long-range assault strategy. Despite the Persian elite 'Immortals' entering the battle, the Greeks, with their disciplined and mobile tactics, were able to repel the attacks, demonstrating the prowess of the Spartan warriors. However, the discovery of the Anopaia path by a traitor threatened the Greek position, forcing a strategic reassessment.

10:20

🔄 The Tide Turns: Betrayal and Encirclement

The narrative shifts as a traitor named Ephialtes informs the Persians of the Anopaia path, enabling them to outflank the Greek forces. The Persians, led by Hydarnes and the Immortals, successfully encircle the Greeks. Despite this dire situation, Leonidas orders a retreat for the Greek fleet and most of the army, choosing to stay with a small force to make a final stand. This decision is influenced by military discipline, honor, and a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi, which foretold the fall of Sparta or the death of its king.

15:23

⚔️ Last Stand and Legacy of Thermopylae

In a heroic last stand, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, along with Thespians and Thebans, fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Their goal was to delay the Persian advance, allowing other Greek forces to retreat and possibly receive reinforcements. Despite their defeat, the Battle of Thermopylae became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. The Greeks' subsequent victories at Salamis and Plataea ultimately thwarted Xerxes' ambitions in Greece, marking a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars and securing Greece's independence.

Keywords

💡Achaemenid Empire

The Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, was an ancient Iranian empire that existed from the 6th to the 4th century BCE. It was one of the largest empires in history, stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to the Indus River. In the context of the video, it represents the powerful force led by Darius I and later Xerxes I, which sought to expand into Greece, initiating the Greco-Persian Wars.

💡Darius I

Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, was the third king of the Achaemenid Empire. He is known for his military conquests and administrative reforms. The script mentions Darius I's initial expansion into Europe and his attempt to conquer Greece, which set the stage for the Greco-Persian Wars.

💡Greece

Greece, in this video, refers to the collection of city-states in ancient times, which included Athens, Sparta, and others. The script discusses Greece's resistance against Persian invasions, highlighting its significance as the battleground for the Greco-Persian Wars and the cultural heartland of Western civilization.

💡Battle of Marathon

The Battle of Marathon was a key conflict in 490 BCE between the Persian Empire led by Darius I and an alliance of Greek city-states, primarily Athens. The Greeks' victory in this battle, as mentioned in the script, was a significant event that demonstrated Greek military prowess and marked the beginning of the Greco-Persian Wars.

💡Xerxes I

Xerxes I, the son of Darius I, became the king of the Achaemenid Empire after his father's death. The script describes Xerxes I's extensive preparations for the invasion of Greece, including the construction of infrastructure to support his massive army, which underscored the empire's determination to conquer Greek territories.

💡Thermopylae

Thermopylae refers to the location of a significant battle during the Greco-Persian Wars. The script details the Greek forces, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, who made a stand at the pass of Thermopylae against the Persian army, demonstrating their strategic defense despite being outnumbered.

💡Phalanx

The phalanx was a military formation used by Greek hoplites, characterized by a tight, rectangular arrangement of soldiers with overlapping shields and spears pointing forward. The script illustrates the effectiveness of the phalanx formation in the Battle of Thermopylae, where it allowed the Greeks to counter the Persian numerical advantage.

💡Leonidas

Leonidas I was a king of Sparta, renowned for his leadership at the Battle of Thermopylae. The script recounts his decision to stay and fight with a small force against the Persian army, embodying the theme of heroic sacrifice for the sake of one's homeland.

💡Persian Immortals

The Immortals were an elite military unit of the Achaemenid Empire, known for their formidable fighting skills and seemingly inexhaustible numbers due to their ability to quickly replace fallen soldiers. The script describes their involvement in the Battle of Thermopylae, where they faced the Greek phalanx.

💡Ephialtes

Ephialtes was a local resident who betrayed the Greek forces by revealing the Anopaia path to the Persians, allowing them to outflank the Greek defense at Thermopylae. The script uses Ephialtes as an example of the treachery that can turn the tide of a battle.

💡Battle of Plataea

The Battle of Plataea, fought in 479 BCE, was the final major battle of the Greco-Persian Wars. The script mentions this battle as the decisive Greek victory that ended Xerxes' ambitions in Greece, signifying the end of the Persian threat to the Greek city-states.

Highlights

Darius I of the Achaemenid Empire began expansion into Europe, conquering Thrace and Macedonia.

Persian motives for conquering Greece included increasing prestige and eliminating potential threats, not wealth or resources.

Greeks executed Persian envoys and formed an alliance between Athens and Sparta to resist Persian rule.

The Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE marked the beginning of a long war between Persia and Greece, with the Greeks emerging victorious.

Darius' death in 486 BCE led to Xerxes I's ascension and extensive preparations for a full-scale invasion of Greece.

Xerxes I's invasion preparations included establishing supply depots, creating a canal, and building boat bridges for troop movement.

The oracle at Delphi advised Athenians to flee in anticipation of the Persian threat, highlighting the perceived danger to Greece.

Greek city-states initially sent 10,000 hoplites to secure Tempē but withdrew upon learning of the Persian army's size.

A combined Greek army of 6,000 to 7,000 soldiers was dispatched to defend the pass at Thermopylae.

Religious considerations during the sacred games at Olympia and the Karneia festival influenced the Spartan military response.

The Spartans sent only 300 hoplites to Thermopylae, despite having an estimated 8,000 available, due to religious and strategic reasons.

The Greek city-states assembled a fleet of over 300 triremes to counter the Persian navy at Artemisium.

The Battle of Thermopylae showcased different Classical warfare styles: Persian long-range assault vs. Greek phalanx formation.

Leonidas' strategy at Thermopylae utilized the terrain to overcome the disadvantage of a smaller Greek army.

The Anopaia path's discovery by the Persians led to the encirclement and ultimate defeat of the Greek forces at Thermopylae.

Leonidas and his 300 Spartans chose to make a last stand, delaying the Persian advance and allowing other Greek forces to retreat.

The Battle of Thermopylae became legendary, symbolizing the sacrifice of free men against foreign aggression.

Despite the sack of Athens and setbacks, the Greeks rebuilt and won significant naval and land victories, ultimately defeating Xerxes' forces.

Transcripts

During the early 5th century BCE, the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, led by Darius I

had already begun to expand into mainland Europe and had conquered Thrace and Macedonia.

Darius set his sights on conquering Athens and the rest of Greece

though the exact reason for Persia's desire to conquer Greece is unclear.

Possible motives include increasing the king's prestige at home

or eliminating a potential threat posed by rebel states on the empire's western border

rather than acquiring wealth or resources.

In 491 BC, Darius sent envoys to demand the submission of the Greeks to Persian rule

but the Greeks responded by executing the envoys and forming an alliance between Athens and Sparta to defend Greece.

In response, Darius launched a naval force of 600 ships and 25,000 soldiers to attack the Cyclades and Euboea

putting Persia just one step away from the rest of Greece.

The Greeks, led by Athens, engaged the Persians in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE and emerged victorious

although this was just the beginning of a long war that included several other battles.

Despite being vastly superior in resources and manpower due to its status as the largest empire in the world.

Persia now prepared for a full-scale attack.

When Darius died in 486 BCE, Xerxes I became the new king and began extensive preparations for an invasion of Greece.

This included the establishment of equipment and supply depots, creating a canal in Chalkidike

and constructing boat bridges across the Hellespont to aid in troop movement.

This marked a significant danger for Greece, with the oracle at Delphi even advising the Athenians to flee

to the ends of the earth in anticipation of the threat.

Upon learning of the approaching Persian army, Greece initially sent 10,000 hoplites to secure the valley of Tempē

near Mt. Olympos, but these forces withdrew once they learned of the enormous size of the invading army.

Following much debate and negotiation among the various Greek city-states

who were mistrustful of each other's intentions, a combined army of 6,000 to 7,000 soldiers was dispatched

to defend the pass at Thermopylae, which was the only way for the Persians to enter mainland Greece.

Some explanations have been given for why the defending force was relatively small.

One possibility is that certain Greek city-states were hesitant to send troops so far north

while another is that religious considerations played a role.

During the period of the sacred games at Olympia and the Karneia

the most important Spartan religious festival, fighting was strictly prohibited.

This was also the reason why the Spartans arrived too late for the earlier Battle of Marathon.

Therefore, despite being regarded as the best fighters in Greece and having a professional army

the Spartans only sent a small group of 300 hoplites chosen from men with male heirs

to join the Greek defensive force, despite having an estimated 8,000 available.

In addition to the ground forces, the Greek city-states also dispatched a fleet of trireme warships

to the northern coast of Euboea, where they positioned themselves off the coast of Artemisium.

The Greeks gathered over 300 triremes, and their primary objective was likely to prevent the Persian fleet

from sailing down the inland coast of Lokris and Boeotia.

At Thermopylae, the two opposing armies represented different styles of Classical warfare.

The Persians favored a long-range assault strategy that relied on archers and cavalry charges

while the Greeks preferred the use of heavily-armored hoplites in a densely packed formation called the phalanx

fighting at close quarters with spears and swords.

Persian soldiers carried lightweight wicker shields, short spears, composite bows

and often crescent-shaped wicker shields.

Their elite force of 10,000, known as the Immortals, were probably better protected with armor and weapons.

In the summer of 480 B.C., a confederate alliance of Greek city-states

which rarely united due to their internal divisions, faced a common threat from Persia.

Athens, known for supporting other cities in the Ionian Revolt and defeating Darius in 490, formed the coalition with Sparta.

The Greek navy, led by the Athenian politician and general Themistocles

blocked the Persian fleet at the Artemisium strait.

Meanwhile, King Leonidas of Sparta commanded the ground forces at Thermopylae.

His army included 300 members of the royal Spartan bodyguard called the hippeis

along with 1,000 Phocians, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans, totaling 7,000 soldiers.

Despite being less celebrated, these soldiers played a significant role in the battle.

Leonidas devised a strategy to confront Xerxes by holding the narrow passage

taking advantage of the favorable terrain that would help overcome the disadvantage of having a smaller army.

The restricted gorge would limit the Persian troops' ability to utilize their numerical superiority or cavalry.

At the same time, the Greek navy could focus on defeating the Persian forces in the strait

situated north of Euboea, an island in close proximity.

When Leonidas arrived at Thermopylae, he realized that a mountain trail, known as the Anopaia path

could allow the Persians to bypass his position, which caused him concern.

However, it was too late to change the strategy as the Greek fleet was already in position.

To counter this, Leonidas tasked the Phocians with guarding the path

Xerxes camped near Thermopylae for four days, expecting the Greeks to retreat when faced with his massive army.

However, Leonidas refused to surrender, famously declaring "Molon labe!" or "Come and take them!"

On the fifth day, the Persian attack began, but the narrow space worked in favor of the Greeks

who fought in a phalanx formation.

Xerxes deployed his Median and Kissian troops on the first day of battle

Despite their numerical superiority, the Persians were at a disadvantage

to their lack of heavy weaponry and shorter swords and shields.

This allowed the Spartans to showcase their exceptional fighting abilities

honed through a lifetime devoted to the military.

Despite the overwhelming number of Persian troops, the Greeks were able to repel them repeatedly

causing significant Persian losses.

On the first day of the battle, Xerxes gathered his finest soldiers

a group of 10,000 led by the Persian aristocrat Hydarnes.

The Greeks referred to them as "the Immortals" because they appeared to have the ability to replenish their ranks

immediately after suffering losses, and thus their numbers never seemed to dwindle.

The elite Immortals then entered the battle against the Greeks in close-quarter combat.

The Greeks were successful in repelling the Persian attacks, even against their elite Immortals

causing Xerxes to become enraged.

The Persians were once again unsuccessful in defeating the Greeks

The Greeks were able to lessen the threat from Persian arrows by feigning a disorganized retreat

and then turning on the enemy in the phalanx formation, demonstrating their disciplined mobility.

On the second day, the Greek forces continued to hold the pass, but the tide turned when a traitor named Ephialtes

informed the Persians of an alternative route, the Anopaia path, that could allow them to avoid the majority

of the Greek forces and attack their southern flank.

The Persians, led by Hydarnes and his Immortals, marched through the trail to surround the Greek forces.

The Phokian troops stationed by Leonidas to guard this vital point withdrew

believing themselves the primary target, and the Persians were able to continue along the mountain path

and arrive behind the main Greek force.

With their position now seemingly hopeless and their retreat in danger of being cut off

Leonidas gave orders for the Greek fleet at Artemisium to retreat

and instructed most of his men to leave the battlefield.

Despite the unfavorable situation, Leonidas decided to stay and fight with his 300 Spartans and some Thebans.

The decision was based on his strict military discipline and sense of honor, as surrender was not an option.

Additionally, the Oracle of Delphi had foretold either the destruction of Sparta by the Persians

or the death of its king, which made Leonidas believe that his sacrifice could save his city-state.

On the third day of the battle, the Spartan king rallied his remaining force

consisting of the surviving Spartan 300, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans - to make a last stand and defend the pass.

The goal was to delay the Persian army's progress, to allow the other Greek forces to retreat

or potentially wait for relief from a larger Greek force.

The hoplites engaged the enemy again early in the morning, with Xerxes planning to attack from both the front and rear.

Leonidas made a bold move by attacking the Persian camp early on, according to Ephorus.

However, the Immortals arrived late to their position behind the Greeks

and Leonidas moved his troops to the widest part of the pass to make use of all his men.

The Greeks fought fiercely, even when their spears were broken.

Leonidas was eventually killed, and a skirmish broke out around him.

The Spartans fought hard to recover their king's body but were eventually defeated.

Xerxes commanded that the surviving Theban Greeks be marked with a branding iron on their foreheads as slaves.

The Battle of Thermopylae became legendary amongst the Greeks

as they admired the free men who sacrificed themselves to defend their way of life against foreign aggression.

Leonidas and his men, despite being defeated

gained more fame than any other victorious warriors in history, according to Diodorus Siculus.

Although the defeat was seen as glorious, Xerxes had now opened the way to push into mainland Greece.

The Greeks were not finished despite Athens being sacked and other states turning to the Persians.

Leonidas' brother, Kleombrotos, led a Greek army to build a defensive wall near Corinth.

The winter halted the land campaign, but the Greek fleet won a significant victory against the Persians at Salamis

Xerxes went back home to Sousa and left the invasion under the leadership of Mardonius.

After political negotiations failed, the Greeks won the Battle of Plataea in August 479 BCE

ending Xerxes' ambitions in Greece.