The Battle of Thermopylae THIS…. IS…. SPARTA!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Battle of Marathon Spartans showed up two days after the battle was over. Three reasons why the Spartans did not help earlier: (There was more to it than a religious festival) Sparta disliked Athens Sparta afraid of a helot revolt. Sparta afraid the Persians would make them look weak. LEGEND: A Greek messenger ran 26.2 miles to Athens with news of the victory, dying of exhaustion immediately after he arrived. He became the inspiration for this athletic event, introduced at the 1896 Athens Olympics, and originally run between Marathon and Athens. SPORTS ARTICLE!

192 Athenians dead buried in ceremonial funeral mound still there today!

Background to Thermopylae Themistocles was the new leader. He was very strong and could act quickly to respond to difficult situations. Silver mines were found outside Athens which helped strengthen the military.

What to do with the Cash?! Themistocles put a lot of money from the silver into building up the army to 100,000-150,000 men and building 200 warships. (Triremes)

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Persia’s Thirst for Revenge Persia also had a new leader. Darius was out and Xerxes was in. (Son of Darius & Grandson of Cyrus) Vowing to revenge his father’s loss Forces slaves to follow him Constantly whispering “Remember the Athenians” for next 10 years!

Xerxes assumes power and amasses huge army over 200,000+ strong

and 1000 ships!

The Life of a Spartan Birth Age 7 Age 20 Age 30 Newborns brought to ephors (leaders) for examination Sickly babies left to die of exposure Healthy babies Boys lived with their parents until age seven Girls stayed with their parents until marriage, and learning weaving, cooking, cleaning Age 7 Boys sent to military school for strict physical training Weapons and endurance training Frequent beatings Taught basic reading and to be laconic (use brief speech) Age 20 Young men became soldiers Allowed to get married But lived in the barracks until age 30 Age 30 These soldiers became citizens Could vote and could live in their own homes Remained in the military until age 60

Cooperation Among Greece Athenians hear about Xerxes’ thirst for revenge they look for help. 1st time wide scale co-operation between the Greeks… They agree to help! Sparta and Athens decided to work together to fight the Persians. Sparta had a very strong army Athens had a strong navy. Awesome combination! 

Thermopylae

NOT this guy…. Well, kinda… Leonidas NOT this guy…. Well, kinda… Statue of Leonidas in Sparta today.

The Battle at Thermopylae August of 480 BC The Greeks were waiting for the Persians at Thermopylae. “The HOT GATES” (If the Persians wanted to get into mainland Greece they would have to take this pass.) Xerxes sat on a golden throne atop the pass to watch the battle. For the first two days the 7300 Greek soldiers were able to slaughter the Persians. (Even Xerxes’ elite “Immortals”)

Decisive Battles Video Decisive Battles - Thermopylae 480 BC

Groovy Greeks!!

“The last stand…..”

Result of Thermopylae Created a sense of nationalism among the Greeks… This continued. It showed Xerxes that conquering Greece was not going to be easy. The Greeks were a strong, determinded and skilled force. (just as Marathon had shown Darius) The courageous self-sacrifice of Leonidas and his men won the Greeks many advantages… can you think of one? Let’s Watch Spartan Related!!!