Many great battles have been fought since practically the beginning of time. If you delved into the past and researched these wars, you would find that none is more famous than the Battle of Thermopylae. This is where a few thousand men, including the infamous 300 Spartans, were able to hold of a Persian army numbering 200,000 for three days.
If you've seen 300, then you are no stranger to the infamous Spartans of ancient Greece.
Though not as underwear clad as portrayed in the movie, the film was accurate in showing how the Spartans were taken away from their mothers at the age of seven and put through a military boot camp, where they began a training that would follow them through into adulthood. Bravery was their ultimate value. Like the movie, the mothers would give the shields to their sons and say, "With it or on it!" This meant that they should come back with their shield or carried on it. You can visit Thermopylae at the site of the last stand as seen in the movie and see the Leonidas monument.
A sign under the statue can be translated to, "Come and get them!"
The two statues on the side as shown above represent the river Eurotas and Mount Taygetos, two famous landmarks in Sparta.
Battle scenes are shown here.
Would you be interested in visiting Thermopylae?
Comments (11)
Yes! I'd definitely be interested. This battle was one of the greatest stories in history!
that'd be awesome.
gimme a shovel, 'cuz I dig. I'm a big history nerd like that, especially military history. (My fiancee can't figure out for the life of her why I want to go to Sekigahara so bad...)
Definitely. I thought the movie was okay, but I loved their battle tactics. It'd be great to visit such a historical site.
I'd love to go, and not just because I liked the movie. Previous to the theater release I read all about the Immortals, Xerxes, Darius, so I was beyond thrilled when I heard a movie was being made (and by frank miller at that!)
So ya I'd go. I wonder just how long they would have lasted...
I'd love to.
Interesting people and customs.
Yes :)
5th grade Mythology is to be credited for my interest in this, haha :)
HELL YEAH!
Best movie every portrayed... oddly enough, I was more interested in the fighting than the sex scene.
The film is indeed VERY loosely based on the actual history of Sparta. You guys should watch the older adaptation. It was much more accurate.
Surprisingly, the spartiates did not engage in that many battles, irrespective of how much they valued the notion of 'fighting until death', training all their lives for it.
Sure, going back to the ruins will be a fun trip, but i would LOVE to return to their time. Spartan women were given much more privileges than other women. They were well-built and were seen to be the most beautiful women in their time. And for the rituals proceeding towards their marriage? Thanks but i'll pass haha.