Termofil Muharebesi (M.Ö 480) | Leonidas vs Serhas

Summary

The Battle of Thermopylae saw a small Greek force, led by King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, valiantly defend the narrow pass against a massive Persian army commanded by Xerxes I. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Greeks utilized the strategic terrain to inflict heavy losses on the Persians. Ultimately, the Greeks were betrayed by Ephialtes, leading to their encirclement and defeat. Although they couldn't stop the invasion, Leonidas and his men became legendary for their bravery and sacrifice, exemplifying Greek valor and resistance against overwhelming odds.

Takeaways

• 🏺 The Persian Empire, originating in 550 B.C., expanded rapidly to become a vast empire, stretching from the shores of the Caspian Sea to India and reaching as far as Carthage in North Africa.
• ⚔️ After supporting the Ionian Revolt, Athens and Eretria faced the wrath of Persian ruler Darius I, who sought to punish them and use the situation as a pretext for further expansion.
• 🏛 In 492 B.C., General Mardoius led the Persian forces to reestablish control over Thrace and Macedonia, setting the stage for the conflict with Greece, particularly Athens and Eretria.
• 🏃 The Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. saw the Athenians successfully repel the Persian forces, leading to Darius's vow for vengeance, a vow that his successor, Xerxes I, aimed to fulfill.
• 🛠️ The Athenians, anticipating a Persian attack, built a strong navy and sought alliances with other Greek city-states to bolster their defenses.
• 🗣️ Xerxes I's diplomatic efforts to subdue the Greek city-states through ambassadors were met with defiance, particularly in Athens and Sparta, effectively declaring war.
• 🤝 The unity among the divided Greek city-states, particularly the alliance between Athens and Sparta, represented a significant development in their collective resistance against the Persian invasion.
• 🏞️ The strategic Thermopylae Pass, with its narrow corridor between mountains and sea, was identified by Athenian general Themistocles as the ideal location to make a stand against the numerically superior Persian forces.
• 🏺 King Leonidas and his 300 royal guards, along with a larger force of Greek allies, made a heroic stand at the Thermopylae Pass, significantly delaying the Persian advance despite being vastly outnumbered.
• 🏃‍♂️ The treachery of Ephialtes, who informed the Persians of a mountain path around the Thermopylae Pass, led to the encirclement and ultimate defeat of the Greek forces.
• 🛡️ Despite the tragic outcome at Thermopylae, the valor of Leonidas and his men became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, with their stand against the Persians taking a heavy toll on the invaders.
• 🔥 The Persians' eventual passage through the Thermopylae Pass marked a dark chapter in the history of the invasion, as they advanced to burn and destroy Athens, yet the legacy of the 300 Spartans endured.

Q & A

What was the strategic significance of the Thermopylae Pass in the context of the Persian invasion?

The Thermopylae Pass was a narrow passage between steep mountains and the sea, making it easily defensible by a smaller force against a much larger army. It was the only direct route for the Persian army to march into Southern Greece, thus it was a critical point for the Greeks to defend.

Who were the two Greek city-states that supported the Ionian Revolt, which led to the Persian Empire's retaliation?

Athens and Eretria were the two Greek city-states that militarily supported the Ionian Revolt, which later led to the Persian ruler Darius I deciding to punish these cities and expand his empire into Europe.

What was the Persian Empire's expansion strategy under Darius I and Xerxes I?

The Persian Empire under Darius I expanded rapidly, capturing various territories including the Median Empire, Lydian Kingdom, Babylonian Empire, Egypt, and reaching as far as Carthage in North Africa. Xerxes I continued this expansionist policy with a focus on conquering Ancient Greece to fulfill his father's oath and avenge past defeats.

Why did the Athenians build a strong navy in preparation for the Persian attack?

The Athenians recognized the need for a strong navy to counter the formidable Persian fleet. A robust naval force was essential to protect their coastlines and to have a fighting chance against the Persians' superior numbers and seafaring capabilities.

What was the role of the Delphic oracle in the decision-making process for King Leonidas before the Battle of Thermopylae?

The Delphic oracle's prophecy suggested that either Sparta's cities would be sacked by the Persians or they would mourn the loss of a king. King Leonidas, believing in the prophecy, saw his own death as inevitable and decided to lead a small force to delay the Persian advance, knowing it would buy time for the rest of the Greek forces.

How did the Spartans' phalanx formation and equipment give them an advantage at the Battle of Thermopylae?

The Spartan phalanx formation, with its long spears and large shields, was highly effective in a narrow pass like Thermopylae. It allowed them to present a unified front against the Persian infantry, whose lighter weapons and armor were less effective against the heavily armed Spartans. Additionally, the phalanx minimized the risk of being flanked by cavalry.

What was the impact of the traitor Ephialtes on the outcome of the Battle of Thermopylae?

Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by informing the Persians about a mountain pass that bypassed the Thermopylae Pass. This allowed Xerxes to send a force of Immortals through the pass, effectively surrounding the Greek forces and leading to their ultimate defeat.

Why did the Spartan law prohibit military activity during the Karneia festival?

The Karneia festival was held in honor of Apollo, and according to Spartan law, engaging in military activities during this sacred time was considered disrespectful to the gods and their values.

What was the approximate number of Greek soldiers who fought at the Battle of Thermopylae under King Leonidas?

Under King Leonidas' command, there were initially 300 Spartan royal guards, and with additional volunteers from the Greek alliance forces, the total force was about 7,000 men.

How did the Persian King Xerxes react to the news of the Battle of Thermopylae?

Xerxes was enraged by the Spartans' resistance and the heavy losses his army suffered. He ordered the decapitation and crucifixion of King Leonidas' body as an act of vengeance.

What was the historical significance of the Battle of Thermopylae, despite the Persians eventually passing through?

The Battle of Thermopylae, although not a strategic victory for the Greeks, is historically significant as it demonstrated the Spartans' and Greeks' courage and willingness to sacrifice for their homeland. It also bought time for the rest of Greece to prepare for the Persian invasion and has become a symbol of heroic resistance against overwhelming odds.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 Persian Empire's Expansion and the Ionian Revolt

The Persian Empire, originating from the defeat of the Median Empire, rapidly expanded to encompass territories from the Caspian Sea to India, including Anatolia, Lydia, and Thrace. The empire's growth was marked by the subjugation of Babylon and Egypt, reaching as far as Carthage in North Africa. However, this expansion led to numerous rebellions, notably the Ionian Revolt supported by Athens and Eretria. In response, Darius I sought to punish these city-states and used the revolt as a pretext to expand into Europe. Despite initial successes, the Persians were defeated at the Battle of Marathon, prompting Darius to vow revenge. His successor, Xerxes I, aimed to fulfill this oath and conquer Greece, setting the stage for a significant clash at the Thermophile Pass.

05:07

🛡️ Athenian Naval Preparations and the Formation of a Greek Alliance

Aware of the impending Persian threat, Athens began to construct a formidable navy and sought alliances with other Greek city-states to bolster their ground forces. Meanwhile, Xerxes I extended his influence by demanding submission from the Greek city-states, leading to a defiant response from Athens and Sparta, which executed the Persian envoys. This act marked an irrevocable commitment to war and catalyzed the formation of a unified Greek alliance against the Persians. Themistocles, an Athenian general, proposed a strategic defense at the Thermophile Pass, which was both defensible and would prevent the Persian fleet from bypassing the Greek forces. The Persian army, under Xerxes, advanced through Thrace and Macedonia, while the Spartans, bound by religious observance, sent King Leonidas and 300 guards to delay the Persian advance at Thermophile, anticipating full Spartan support once religious restrictions lifted.

10:08

🏺 The Battle of Thermopylae: Spartan Valor and Persian Might

At Thermopylae, the Greek forces, led by Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, were vastly outnumbered by the Persian army, estimated between 70,000 to 300,000. Despite the odds, the Greeks utilized the strategic advantage of the pass to defend against the Persian onslaught. Xerxes' initial attacks, including a barrage from archers and waves of infantry, were repelled by the disciplined Greek phalanx. The elite Persian 'Immortals' were deployed in a desperate attempt to break the Greek lines, resulting in fierce combat. Although the Immortals managed to penetrate the Spartan line, they suffered significant losses, and the Greeks held their ground throughout the first day of battle.

15:12

🏞️ The Betrayal and the Fall of the Thermopylae Defense

The tide of battle turned when Ephialtes, a local resident, informed the Persians of a mountain path that circumvented the pass. Xerxes capitalized on this intelligence by dispatching 20,000 of his 'Immortals' to outflank the Greeks. The element of surprise was lost when the Fokidan scouts detected the Persian maneuver, but the Greeks were unable to prevent the encirclement. As the Persians closed in, many Greek forces retreated, leaving Leonidas and his 300 Spartans, along with a remaining 1,400, to make a final stand. Despite their heroic resistance, the Spartans and their allies were ultimately overwhelmed, with Leonidas falling in battle. The Persians exacted a brutal revenge on Leonidas' corpse, desecrating it in a display of contempt.

20:15

🔥 The Aftermath of Thermopylae and the Legacy of the 300

The Persians, undeterred by the heroic defense at Thermopylae, continued their rampage, reaching and laying waste to Athens. Although the stand made by Leonidas and his men could not halt the invasion, it preserved Sparta's honor and became a symbol of resistance against overwhelming odds. The 300 Spartans, along with the few Greek allies who fought to the end, were immortalized in history for their bravery and sacrifice, taking with them over 20,000 Persian soldiers in a testament to their valor.

Keywords

💡Thermophile Pass

Thermophile Pass, also known as Thermopylae, is a narrow coastal passage in Greece that played a crucial role in the script's narrative as the site of a significant battle between the Greek forces and the Persian army. It is defined by its steep mountains on one side and the sea on the other, making it an ideal location for a smaller force to hold off a much larger one. In the video's theme, it symbolizes the point of resistance where a few brave Greek warriors, including the famous 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, made their stand against the overwhelming Persian forces.

💡Persian Empire

The Persian Empire refers to the ancient Iranian empire that was one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from the Indus Valley in the east to parts of Europe in the west. In the context of the video, it represents the immense and unstoppable military power led by Xerxes I, which sought to conquer and punish the Greek city-states that had supported revolts against Persian rule. The empire's expansionist ambitions and its subsequent conflict with the Greeks are central to the video's theme of clashing civilizations and the struggle for freedom.

💡Greek Warriors

Greek warriors, in this script, are the soldiers from various Greek city-states who fought against the Persian invasion. They were known for their tactical knowledge and fighting skills, particularly the Spartans who were renowned for their military prowess. The term 'Greek warriors' encapsulates the bravery, strategy, and the fighting spirit that the Greeks exhibited in defending their homeland against the Persian onslaught, which is a key element of the video's narrative.

💡Battle of Marathon

The Battle of Marathon is a historical battle that took place in 490 BC, where the Athenians, along with other Greek city-states, defeated the Persian army. Although not the main focus of the video, it is mentioned as a precursor to the events at Thermopylae, illustrating the ongoing conflict between the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states. The battle serves as an example of the Greeks' ability to stand against and overcome the seemingly invincible Persian forces.

💡Darius I

Darius I was the king of the Persian Empire who sought to punish Athens and Eretria for their support of the Ionian Revolt. His desire for revenge and expansion of the empire set the stage for the Persian-Greek conflicts depicted in the video. Darius I's character represents the ambition and might of the Persian rulers, whose actions led to the climactic battles that the video script revolves around.

💡Xerxes I

Xerxes I, the son of Darius I, is portrayed in the script as the Persian king who continued his father's quest for revenge and the expansion of the empire. His decision to conquer Ancient Greece and fulfill his father's oath is a driving force behind the invasion and the battles depicted in the video. Xerxes I embodies the relentless pursuit of power and the embodiment of the Persian war machine.

💡Spartan Phalanx

The Spartan phalanx refers to the military formation used by the Spartan hoplites, characterized by tight ranks and long spears, which was highly effective in the warfare of the time. In the script, it illustrates the tactical advantage the Greeks had at Thermopylae, where the phalanx formation allowed them to hold off the larger Persian army. The phalanx is a key concept in understanding the military strategy and prowess of the Greek warriors.

💡Ionian Revolt

The Ionian Revolt was an uprising of the Ionian Greek city-states against Persian rule in the early 5th century BC. The revolt is mentioned in the script as the catalyst for the Persian Empire's desire to punish Athens and Eretria, leading to the Persian invasion of Greece. The Ionian Revolt is a significant historical event that provides context for the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks depicted in the video.

💡Leonidas

Leonidas was the king of Sparta and the military leader of the Greek forces at the Battle of Thermopylae. In the script, he is portrayed as a heroic figure who chose to stand with his 300 Spartan guards and a small Greek force against the overwhelming Persian army. Leonidas' decision to make a stand symbolizes the courage and sacrifice that are central to the video's theme of defending one's homeland against a formidable foe.

💡Immortals

The Immortals were an elite unit of the Persian army, known for their formidable fighting skills and their reputation for never dying, as they were always replenished to maintain their number. In the script, they represent the ultimate test for the Greek defenders at Thermopylae, as they were deployed by Xerxes in an attempt to break the Greek lines. The Immortals are a key element in illustrating the intensity and desperation of the battle.

💡Ephialtes

Ephialtes was a local resident who betrayed the Greek forces by informing the Persians about a mountain path that could bypass the Thermopylae Pass. His betrayal is a pivotal moment in the script, as it led to the encirclement and ultimate defeat of the Greek forces. Ephialtes' actions underscore the theme of treachery and the complexity of warfare, where the actions of one individual can have far-reaching consequences.

Highlights

The Thermophile Pass was a strategic location where a small Greek force could withstand a much larger Persian army.

The Persian Empire rapidly expanded under Darius I, conquering various territories from the Caspian Sea to Egypt.

Athenian and Eretrian support for the Ionian Revolt led to Persian retaliation and the beginning of the Greco-Persian Wars.

The Battle of Marathon marked the first major Athenian victory against the Persians, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Xerxes I sought to fulfill his father's oath and conquer Ancient Greece, continuing the Persian expansionist policies.

Athenians built a strong navy and formed alliances with other Greek city-states to prepare for the inevitable Persian attack.

The defiance of Athens and Sparta against Persian envoys demonstrated the Greek resolve to resist Persian dominance.

The formation of an alliance between Athens, Sparta, and other Greek city-states was a significant step towards unity against a common enemy.

Themistocles' strategic suggestion to defend the Thermophile Pass led to a crucial decision in the war.

The Spartan law prohibiting military activity during the Karneia festival influenced the timing and deployment of Spartan forces.

Leonidas and his 300 guards were sent to the Thermophile Pass to delay the Persian advance, showcasing Spartan bravery and sacrifice.

The Battle of Thermophile was foreshadowed by a prophecy, which King Leonidas believed, accepting his inevitable death.

The Thermophile Pass was a perfect location for the Greek phalanx formation, which was highly effective against the Persian forces.

Leonidas' famous defiance, 'Come and get it!', symbolizes the Greek determination not to surrender to the Persians.

The Immortals, Xerxes' elite troops, suffered heavy losses even against the smaller but well-armed Spartan forces.

The betrayal by Ephialtes, who informed the Persians of a mountain pass to outflank the Greeks, changed the course of the battle.

Despite being surrounded, Leonidas and his men fought to the death, taking a significant number of Persian soldiers with them.

The heroic stand of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae became a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, even though it did not halt the Persian invasion.

Transcripts

Location, Thermophile Pass...

On one side, a huge Persian army with no end in sight;

On the other hand, it dominates its own geography.

and a handful of Greek warriors who knew the strategy well...

Soon in the Thermophile Pass, the immense unstoppable power,

You will watch it collide with an immovable object.

Persian Empire...

B.C. in 550,

The Persians, who declared their independence by destroying the Median Empire,

In a short time, it expanded its borders and became a great empire.

Its territory extended to the shores of the Caspian Sea and to India.

He then advanced to Anatolia and destroyed the Lydian Kingdom.

and they had captured all the lands up to the Aegean coast and Thrace in the west.

Capturing the Babylonian Empire and then Egypt,

They advanced as far as Carthage in North Africa.

In this period of rapid expansion,

The peoples of the lands under the control of the Persian Empire,

tended to rebel.

Greek city-states Athens and Eretria

B.C. He supported the Ionian Revolt in 499, militarily.

Thereupon, the Persian ruler Darius I,

He thought that Athens and Eretria should be punished.

He also raised this issue for the expansion of his empire in Europe,

He also realized that he could use it as an excuse.

Thus, BC. in 492,

The army under the command of General Mardoius marched on Thrace.

The aim of this time is

Recapture the Thracian tribes that went out of control during the Ionian Revolt,

Incorporating the Kingdom of Macedonia into the Persian Empire and supporting the Ionian Revolt

It was to punish Eretria and Athens.

While Thrace was re-incorporated into the territory of the Persian Empire in a short time,

Kingdom of Macedonia by Alexander I,

It was turned into a kingdom attached to the Persian palace.

Then the Persian army and navy under the command of General Artaphernes,

launched a direct attack on Greece.

The Persian army, which occupied Eretria in a short time,

proceeded directly to Athens.

However, in the Battle of Marathon, they were defeated by the Athenians and retreated.

Darius was furious at this defeat.

And he swore vengeance.

But he didn't live long enough to take his revenge.

The sole purpose of Xerxes I, who ascended the throne after the death of Darius,

fulfill his father's oath

and to completely conquer Ancient Greece.

The greed for revenge was passed down from father to son.

Athenians with all the might of the Persians

They knew very well that they would be at their doorstep.

Therefore, they began preparations for the Persian attack.

The Athenians needed a strong navy to fight the Persians.

Therefore, the Athenians began to build a strong navy.

Also, Athens did not have enough ground troops to fight.

Therefore, they were trying to form alliances with other Greek city-states.

Meanwhile, the Persian Emperor Xerxes I, BC. in 481,

He sent ambassadors to the Greek city-states and asked them to submit to him.

Most of the Greek kingdoms were afraid to face the Persians.

But the most powerful of the Greek city-states,

What Athens and Sparta did,

It was enough to ignite the fuse of the war.

Persian envoys, in a pit in Athens,

In Sparta, he was executed by being thrown into a well.

The Greeks had now embarked on a road of no return.

Revenge of the Persian Emperor Xerxes,

was getting bigger.

This led to the creation of an alliance between Athens and Sparta.

Other Greek city-states were also included in this alliance.

This unification was a remarkable development in the divided Greek world.

The Persian army, the strongest army of the period,

In a short time, he crossed the Dardanelles and stepped into European territory.

Time was running out for the Greeks.

The Athenian general Themistocles then proposed a different strategy.

The only line through which the Persian army could march into Southern Greece,

It was the Thermophile Pass, a narrow pass between the steep mountains and the sea.

This pass, though much less numerous than the Persian army,

it was easily defensible by the hoplites.

At the same time, the Persian fleet was able to cross the Thermophile Pass by sea.

to prevent him from pulling back troops

Greek alliance navy,

He suggested that it should be located in the gorge next to the pass.

The Greek congress approved this double strategy.

Meanwhile, the Persian army crossing Thrace,

was advancing through Macedonia without haste.

In August, spies discovered that the army was heading towards mainland Greece.

and they conveyed the news that he was approaching.

But this time of year,

In Sparta, the defacto military leader of the Greek alliance,

It was the days when the Carneia festival held in honor of Apollo was celebrated.

According to Spartan law,

Any military activity was prohibited during the Karneia festival.

to go to war, so for the Spartan army

It would be disrespectful to sacred values.

In this case, the Ephors named Leonidas, one of the two co-kings.

Together with his 300 guards, to stop the advance of the Persian army,

They decided to send it to the Thermophile Pass.

Leonidas will delay the advance of the Persian army at the pass

and when the Karneia festival is over

the entire Spartan army would move to Thermophile.

The Battle of Thermophile, as quoted by the historian Herodotus,

It begins with the Spartans consulting the Delphic oracle the previous year.

According to what the priests told them,

either their cities will be sacked by the Persians

or they would mourn the loss of a king.

Herodotus, the forces in the hands of King Leonidas,

knowing that it is not enough to win a victory,

believe in prophecy

so he saw his own death as inevitable.

and that he deliberately died for Sparta.

Next to Leonidas and his 300 royal guards,

When volunteers from the Greek alliance forces are added,

A force of about 7000 men was gathered under Leonidas' command.

Leonidas led his army, advancing to the Thermophile Pass.

Here he began to wait for the Persian forces.

in mid-August,

It was seen that the great Persian army was advancing in the direction of Thermophile.

About the number of large Persian army under Xerxes

Historians of the period use exaggerated expressions.

This is because primary sources are only Greek sources.

Unfortunately, none of the works of Persian historians of the period

did not reach the present day.

From the sources that have survived to the present day, Herodotus,

While mentioning the number of Persian army as 2 million,

Simonides, who can be considered as contemporary, says it is 4 million.

Today's historians, on the other hand, use these figures given by ancient writers, including Herodotus.

They tend to see the Greek victory as exaggerations to glorify it.

And the number of the Persian army is at least 70 thousand,

They accept that it is at most 300 thousand.

Regardless of this number, which cannot be known with certainty,

The Persians are at least 10 times the size of the Greek army.

and it was the biggest army of that period,

It was an indisputable fact.

Finally, when the Persians reached the Thermophile Pass,

They found 7000 Greek soldiers lined up like a wall in front of them.

Leonidas and 300 Spartan guards on the front lines,

other Greek soldiers were stationed at the rear.

The sea on the right side of Leonidas' army,

On the left, there were mountains.

Thermophile Pass, tactically,

It was the perfect location for the Greek style of warfare.

Defending a narrow pass for hoblites fighting in the Phalange order,

As there is no risk of being flanked by the cavalry

It was a very appropriate style of warfare.

Also for Persian infantry carrying lighter weapons and armor,

it was more difficult to attack the phalanx in a passage.

The Persian King Xerxes sent envoys to King Leonidas, asking them to surrender,

and asked them to lay down their weapons.

Thereupon Leonidas spoke his famous word to the apostles;

"Come and get it!"

A more famous response came from one of Leonidas' generals.

When Leonidas turned down the apostles' requests

envoy, to express the strength of the Persian army

He said that Persian arrows covered the sun.

The general's response to this statement was as follows;

"Then we fight in the shade!"

With the return of the Persian ambassadors empty-handed

war had become inevitable.

Xerxes then ordered his army to attack.

The first attack was made by archers.

Thousands of Persian archers,

Leonidas, who was holding the 15-meter pass, started to shoot arrows at his army at the same time.

But the bronze shields of the Greeks and

arrows bouncing off their helmets,

It did not cause serious damage to the warriors.

After the arrow attack, Xerxes

10,000 soldiers from Med and Khuzestan,

He attacked the Greek lines.

As it turns out, Xerxes

He preferred to make the first attack with his elite troops.

Because the backbone of the Persian armies was the Med forces.

These forces embarked on a frontal attack in waves.

The Greeks, on the other hand, at the narrowest part of the pass,

They welcomed the Persian army.

Spartans on the front lines,

with outstretched spears and broad shields

It was as if they had formed a wall.

The fact that most of the Persian soldiers do not use armor,

it was a weakness.

The straw shields they use

It was inadequate against Greek swords and spears.

Also, Persian spears were shorter than Greek ones.

and that created another weakness.

In these conditions, many Persian soldiers,

He was killed before he could even get close enough to strike the Spartans with a sword.

The Persians' numerical superiority over the long spears of the Greeks,

it was of no use.

Persian losses were so great that

Xerxes stood up three times in anger from his throne, where he watched the war.

As a result of the day-long battle

Persian attacks were completely fruitless

and very few of them could save their lives.

The Spartans lost only a few.

After heavy losses suffered by the Persian army, Xerxes

Persian palace guards called Immortals

formed an assault force of 10,000 from his most elite troops

and Sparta ordered them to break through their shields.

Immortal corps, bred from childhood just to fight

It was a special unit.

In exchange for Leonidas' palace guards,

Xerxes' palace guards,

It was in this passage.

The Immortals fought just as fiercely as the Spartans.

But the long spears and shields of the Spartans,

caused the undead to suffer a great loss.

But still with partial success in the afternoon,

They managed to disperse the Spartan line.

Immortals who broke the line,

They collided with the Greek alliance forces behind and inflicted heavy casualties on the Greeks.

That day at the Thermophile Pass,

It had been a fierce war.

But no definite conclusion could be obtained.

and the Immortals were unable to cross the portal.

In this two-day war, the Persians,

They had lost 20,000 soldiers in total.

Xerxes, according to Herodotus,

He realized that the combat power of his soldiers was insufficient.

and he had withdrawn his troops to the camps.

Withdrawal of troops to camp,

As to what strategy Xerxes will follow,

It was a sign that he was undecided.

But meanwhile, an unexpected development occurred.

A man named Ephialtes, who lived on the shores of Malian Bay,

About the fact that there is a mountain pass that makes it possible to get around outside the Thermophile Pass,

He had brought information to the Persian camp.

It is after this event that the name Ephialtes,

It has been used in the Greek language to mean betrayal.

Xerxes that night, a corps of Immortals,

through this mountain trail

Sparta mobilized to turn its forces.

The path that this force will walk,

through the ridges and between the cliffs of Mount Anobea

He was circling the Thermophile Pass.

According to Herodotus, the number of Immortals crossing the path was 20,000.

Essentially Leonidas knew there was such a

and had placed a 1,000-strong Fokidan scout at the head of the pass.

But the Fokidanese guards,

since the mountain is covered with oak trees,

He had not noticed the Persians at first.

When they finally realized that the Immortals were passing through the portals,

They sounded the alarm by sounding the pipes.

1,000 soldiers from Fokida,

It was impossible for him to stop the 20,000-strong Immortal corps.

So they quickly withdrew.

What Leonidas feared had happened to him.

The Persians had gripped the Greeks from both sides at the Thermophile Pass.

On top of that, many of the Greeks

They got on the ships and withdrew from the war.

But Leonidas and the 300 Spartan guards,

In order not to tarnish Sparta's honor and ensure its safety,

They decided to sacrifice their own lives.

Some Greeks, encouraged by the Spartans, also

remained with them on the battlefield.

Thus, the number of those who remained with the Spartans was 1,400.

Xerxes, King of Persia, waited until the middle of the day.

and then he gave the order to attack.

Persian armies attacked from both sides.

Leonidas and his men rushed forward this time.

they went to the part where the passage is wider.

With spears until their spears break

then they put up a last stand against the Persian army with swords.

During this conflict Xerxes' two brothers,

It is rumored that he was killed by the Spartans.

In the heat of the war, Leonidas

He was hit by Persian arrows and fell to the ground.

Soldiers were now fighting over corpses.

There was fierce fighting around Leonidas' body.

It was a total massacre war.

Leonidas and all his men

as you die in this passage,

They took more than 20,000 Persian soldiers with them.

When the body of King Leonidas is found on the battlefield by the Persians

Xerxes took his anger on Leonidas' lifeless body.

He decapitated Leonidas and crucified his body.

Thus, the Persians

Passing through the Thermophile Pass, they burned and destroyed everything as far as Athens.

Leonidas and his army's resistance at Thermopylae,

It was not enough to stop the Persian invasion.

But they saved Sparta's honor

and they went down in history as 300 Spartans.