Hot Gates.

This is coolbert:

Here with extracts and comment from the History Channel broadcast:

"The Last Stand of the 300 Spartans"

"Last Stand of the 300 - The Legendary Battle at Thermopylae. It is almost impossible to understand how 300 Spartans managed to hold off the million-man Persian army for even a moment, much less seven days. To a man they paid with their lives but their stunning Last Stand assured that their sacrifice would resonate throughout history. Relying on brilliant tactics, lifelong training, and unshakable allegiance, the doomed Spartans achieved the impossible."

"The Battle of Thermopylae is literally a textbook case, required reading even to this day at military colleges and officer training around the world. Now, The History Channel offers a definitive perspective on the epic conflict with this instructive and thrilling feature-length presentation."

"Transporting dramatizations and incisive graphics put you in the heat of the battle and show the lay of the land. The complications and strategies of the conflict are revealed through careful analysis, and critical moments are reconstructed to show exactly what happened. Discover what the Spartans were fighting for, what made them capable of such heroics acts."

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE SEEN THE CINEMATIC VERSION OF THE GRAPHIC NOVEL "300" THIS DOCUMENTARY IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS A WORTHWHILE SUPPLEMENT.

Comments:

* That area of Thermopylae [Hot Gates] between the ocean and the mountains at most about two hundred yards [two hundred meters] wide. That actual point where the Spartans manned their defensive position about ten yards [ten meters] wide. Constricting terrain!! NO room for Persian flanking maneuver.

* The Greek force at Thermopylae as the battle began about 7,000 strong, to include of course the Spartans who were at the forefront of the action.

* The role of the Athenian navy most crucial. Blocking the access route by which the Persian fleet could bypass Thermopylae.

* Leonidas keenly aware of the "secret trail" through the mountains. A force of 1,000 Phocians tasked with guarding the path having taken off and fled at the approach of the Persians. Betrayal!!

* Greek troops to include the Spartans during the final climactic battle of Thermopylae slightly over one thousand! Leonidas and his men not alone!

In addition we have to be careful when we speak of Greek and especially Athenian democracy. NOT democracy as we understand the term today. About 80 % of those persons residing in Athens SLAVES, unable to vote of course. ONLY about 5 % of the free populace enjoying the franchise.

coolbert.