An Account of Thermopylae: Leonidas, the Spartan King

Submit to the Persian invasion or go to war to defend freedom! This is the decision facing Greece in 480 BC. The reader is brought into the mind of King Leonidas of Sparta as the chosen leader of this massive military undertaking. Spartan military secrets and tactics must now be shared among the sometimes former enemies to unify the fragile coalition of Greek city-states along with a small force of 300 Spartans. Together, the Greek coalition must defend their way of life against the brutal adversary, King Xerxes, of Persia and the largest army assembled at that time.

This story begins with the planning and preparation for a new and unique situational war campaign. King Leonidas has to choose his captains and the 300 Spartan warriors that would accompany him and oversee the logistics of the long march to Thermopylae. He must command and unify the Greek forces for the 9 days actually spent defending the narrow Pass at Thermopylae. He had to use all the resources available to him including training new citizen-soldiers, Periokoi fighters, helots, wagons, topography, and weapons that were left on the battlefield by Xerxes's Army. Specific training in the Spartan military phalanx maneuvers, equipment used, and military commands are also explored.

This historical narrative places the reader in the front row exposing the personal thoughts, intense emotions, and the ever-present and agonizing pressures of battle planning decisions that had to be made by King Leonidas. The sights, sounds, and smells of conflict are experienced as the fierce and detailed battle sequences unfold in the narrow Pass at Thermopylae. This energy-filled portrayal exemplifies the definition of the indomitable spirit as the few stood against the many.

The 300 Spartans, King Leonidas, and the battle of Thermopylae are legendary in military history. This battle helped to provide the catalyst for the eventual defeat of the Persian invasion and to help clear the way for the development of modern democracy. Buy it now and travel back in time and experience the battle of Thermopylae from this unique perspective.