The Battle Of Thermopylae During Western Civilization History

The battle of Thermopylae is an important event in western civilization history. This battle established the name of the Spartans and how ruthless and disciplined they were. The battle of Thermopylae also helped end the wrath of Xerxes and the Persians before they could conquer all of the city-states that they wanted to. The battle also revolutionized the technique of using the land to people’s advantage in war. Thermopylae is a mountain pass near the sea in Northern Greece, located 150 kilometers North of Athens. It was an excellent choice for defense since it had mountains running down into the sea, the only remaining land was a narrow marshy area along the coast. Thermopylae was a very strategic location. It commands the pass from Thessaly through Lokris and Boeotia. Having secured the pass could block any invaders and even make them turn back, though all three occasions, the defensive use of the pass failed. The Athenians took position at Thermopylae in 352 BC, making Philip II decide not to invade. Then, in 323 BC during the Lamian War, the general Leosthenes blocked the Macedonian Antipater by stationing troops at Thermopylae. Thermopylae was not the only route south from Thessaly; it was merely the fastest and easiest route. The Battle of Thermopylae of 480 BC was between the Spartans and the Persians. King Leonidas of Sparta was declared to lead his men to march to the pass of Thermopylae to guard the pass from the Greek city-states. Leonidas wentShow MoreRelatedThe Persian Wars Were Significant For World History1441 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the main components that defined the ancient world is war. During the era of expansion and conquest, wars were waged across lands near and far. By means of defense, revolts arose at this time of numerous battles as well as the formation of alliances. As a whole, war is a struggle for power. 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