Misconceptions Concerning the Battle of
Thermopylae
by Lillian Bonar
Essay: Misconceptions Concerning the Battle of Thermopylae
Pages: 11
Rating: 3 stars
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“Xerxes turned his mind to the unfinished business of punishing the Greeks” (Brown 106). As Xerxes closed in on
the Greeks, during the Persian war, the Greeks needed to buy more time to strengthen their army. The Greeks
decided to slow down Xerxes army by intercepting them at Thermopylae, a small pass where Xerxes’ massive army
would not be a major factor. For all those concerned it was a suicide mission, but one in which they were honored
to take part. Vastly outnumbered the Greek’s only hope was to fight to the death and hope they would buy
enough time for their country. Although the three hundred Spartans receive the glory for their sacrifice at the
battle of Thermopylae, they do not deserve all of the credit because they did not fight alone. Along with the three
hundred Spartans, fought seven hundred Thespians and four hundred Phocians. The battle of Thermopylae is one
of the most legendary battles of all time. The sacrifice of the fourteen hundred men for their country, gives us a
peek into the harsh but honorable world of ancient Greece and their love for their country. The Spartans, through
Hollywood dramatization and historic retellings have become known as the sole heroes of Thermopylae, but
contained within this battle is a story not of three hundred Spartans but of fourteen hundred men united under
Greece who made the ultimate sacrifice for love of country.
The Spartans are usually known for their militaristic society however, “the Spartans were nevertheless a highly
religious people who, Thermopylae would later confirm, let nothing – even war- interrupt their festivities and
rituals” (DeVries 46). The Spartan people were polytheistic, which means they believed in many gods, and in their
case, all of the ancient Gr...