The Battle of Thermopylae

The Battle of Thermopylae pitted the Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, against the mighty Persian Empire under Xerxes I as Xerxes’ army attempted to invade mainland Greece. Although the battle ended in victory for the Persians, the heroic resistance of Leonidas’ 300 Spartans as they fought to the death to defend their land captured the European imagination and continues to influence popular culture. In just 50 minutes, you will learn about the Persian expansion preceding this momentous battle and gain an understanding of the main events of this momentous combat in the early days of Classical Greece.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the events leading up to the Battle of Thermopylae, including the first and second Persian Wars and the unsuccessful Ionian Revolt.  It also features biographies of key commanders and leaders, including Leonidas I, Xerxes I and Mardonius, a valuable introduction to the social and political context and an evaluation of the battle’s military and political consequences, giving you all the essential information about this legendary event.

About the Battle of Thermopylae

In 480 BC, ten years after the first Persian War, the powerful Persian Empire, which already dominated the Greek cities of Asia Minor and some of the Greek Islands, once again attempted to invade mainland Greece. Although the odds were stacked against them, the Greek cities put aside their rivalries and fought fiercely to hold back the invasion, but ultimately their heroic efforts were not enough to prevent a Persian victory.

This clear and accessible 38-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to the Battle of Thermopylae
• Political and social context
  • At the heart of the conflict: the Mediterranean expansion of the Persian Empire
  • The revolt of Ionia
  • The first Persian War
  • The Persian Empire
  • The Greek cities: a politically divided space
  • The second Persian War: a large-scale offensive
  • The Greek cities organize resistance
• Commanders and leaders
  • Leonidas I, King of Sparta
  • Xerxes I, the Great King of the Persian Empire
  • Mardonius, Persian general
• Analysis of the battle
  • The positioning
  • A first unfavorable phase for the Persians
  • The Greek retreat and the sacrifice of the Three Hundred
• Impact of the Battle of Thermopylae
  • Military consequences
  • Political consequences
• Summary