Running head: BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE
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Battle of Thermopylae
Shanda Scott
Northwood University
Professor John Hardy
Foundations of Modern World
Spring 2020
BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE
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Abstract
The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BCE and played a significant role in setting the
foundation for western civilization and culture. In the battle, a handful of Spartan and Thespian
soldiers fought fiercely against a strong army of over a million Persian troops. Although King
Xerxes intended to use his strong Persian army to carry out an invasion attack against Greece and
establish his imperial hegemony over the nation, Leonidas led a slam army of committed Greek
soldiers who were dedicated to protecting the sovereignty, democracy, and freedom of their
native land. Although the story of the battle is often told from the perspective of Greek historians
through writings, it has played a significant role in influencing western culture and civilization.
Particularly, the battle exemplifies positive connotations of patriotism, democracy, and freedom,
as demonstrated by Greek soldiers in defense of their sovereignty. More so, it elucidates the
significance of self-sacrificing in protecting the nation and freedom.
Keywords
: Battle, Persians, Greeks, soldiers, Thermopylae, freedom, democracy, patriotism
BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE
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Battle of Thermopylae
The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BCE and is considered an important battle
that set a strong foundation for western civilization. Due to its incredible lessons and historical
significance, the battle has, for a long time, been a topic of cultural fascination since it involved
an outstanding scene of military last stand situation. The accounts of the battle are given by
Herodotus through his Greek writings as an amazing “against all the odds” narration in which
about 700 Thespians and 300 Spartans stood their ground to fiercely defend Thermopylae from
Persian invasion (
Bongers & Torres, 2019)
. The handful of Spartan and Thespian soldiers fought
fiercely against over a million Persian troops who were carrying out an invasion attack motivated
by expansionist intentions. This makes it an outstanding story that elucidates inspiring lessons
about the resolution and bravery of Greeks and Spartans in defending their land from external
invasion.
The incredible bravado and resolution of the Greek and Spartan soldiers during the battle
of Thermopylae exemplify very inspiring lessons that are still relevant in today’s society. The
story serves as a perfect example of the myriad of advantages of the appropriate use of terrain,
equipment, and advanced training in maximizing an army’s potential and fortitude. It is also an
