Thermopylae: Great Battles

During the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, a Greek force of 7,000 faced the largest army ever seen in the Greek peninsula, stopping the Persians for three days before retreating with their rear guard wiped out. Despite the defeat in strict military terms, the story has become a legendary success, inspiring Greek and Roman oratory, literature, poetry, public monuments, and mainstream Hollywood movies. This new volume in the Great Battles series offers an innovative view of a battle whose legacy has overtaken its real-life practical outcomes, demonstrating that a seemingly unstoppable force could be resisted.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 29 August 2019
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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In the year 480 BC, a remarkable encounter unfolded during the Battle of Thermopylae, where a Greek force consisting of approximately 7,000 brave warriors faced off against the largest army ever seen on the Greek peninsula. For three grueling days, the Persians, renowned as the greatest military power in the world, were halted in their tracks by a vastly inferior force. Despite the odds, the Greek army managed to hold their ground, showcasing an extraordinary display of courage and determination. However, as the battle progressed, the Greek forces were eventually forced to retreat, with their rear guard suffering a devastating loss in one of history's most iconic and legendary last stands.

In terms of strict military analysis, it can be argued that the Greeks suffered a defeat at Thermopylae. Nevertheless, this remarkable tale, reminiscent of the British retreat from Dunkirk or the massacre at the Alamo, has transcended its historical context and evolved into a tale of triumph. Thermopylae has gained a glamour that surpasses other battles of the Persian Wars, transitioning from history into myth and retaining its allure in the modern era.

In his book "Thermopylae: The Battle for Greece," Chris Carey delves into the origins and course of this pivotal battle, as well as the challenges faced by historians in separating fact from myth and comprehending an event lacking substantial hard evidence. Carey also explores Thermopylae's cultural legacy, encompassing its integration into Greek and Roman oratorical traditions, its influence on modern literature, poetry, public monuments, and mainstream Hollywood movies. This new addition to the "Great Battles" series presents a fresh perspective on a battle whose historical outcomes may have been overshadowed by its enduring legacy. Thermopylae demonstrated that even an overwhelming force can be resisted, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the human spirit.

\n Weight: 434g\n
Dimension: 222 x 147 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198754107\n \n