Three Epic Battles that Saved Democracy: Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis

2,500 years ago, the Persian King Xerxes invaded Greece, leading to a clash between East and West. This book retells the story, highlighting the heroic resistance of the Greeks and their innovative democratic system. Despite the Persians' destruction of Athens, the Greeks formed a successful anti-Persian coalition and drove the Persians from Greek territory. The book concludes by exploring the ideas that these battles mark the beginnings of Western civilization and that Greece remains the bulwark of the West.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths is a remarkable work that provides a sane and highly informative exploration of the rich tapestry of Greek myths. Written by acclaimed author Paul Kershaw, this book commemorates the 2,500-year anniversary of the final defeat of the Persian invasion of Greece. The clash between East and West, which left a lasting impact on modern history, is vividly reimagined in this thrilling and timely retelling of the story, originally narrated by the Father of History, Herodotus.

The narrative revolves around the protagonists, the Greeks, led by the militaristic and oligarchic Sparta on land and the newly democratic Athens at sea. In Asia, the mighty Persian Empire stands as a formidable force, powerful, rich, culturally diverse, and encompassing modern Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Egypt. When the Greek communities of Ionia, located on the western coast of modern-day Turkey, rebel against their Persian overlord Darius I, Athens responds by dispatching ships to their aid. Darius crushes the Greek forces in a massive sea battle near Miletus, paving the way for his invasion of Greece.

However, the Athenians, driven by their innovative democratic system, stand resolute in their defense against the mighty Persian army. In a surprising turn of events, the soldiers of Athens, who have invented this system, successfully repel Darius's forces at the historic Battle of Marathon. Following their victory, the Athenians strike a rich vein of silver in their state-owned mining district and use the windfall to build a fleet of state-of-the-art warships.

Undeterred by the Athenians' success, Persia seeks revenge. The next king, Xerxes, assembles a vast multinational force, constructs a bridge of boats across the Hellespont, digs a canal through the Mount Athos peninsula, and bears down on Greece. Trusting in their sturdy wooden walls, the Athenians station their ships at Artemi.

The ensuing conflict is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the Greek people. Kershaw's writing brings the myths to life, providing a detailed and captivating account of the battles, heroism, and cultural significance of this ancient era. A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths is a must-read for anyone interested in history, mythology, or the enduring power of human resistance.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472145659