Original subtitles

>> NARRATOR: In the narrow Thermopylae Pass in Northern Greece, 7,000 ancient Greek

Thermopylae Pass in Northern Greece, 7,000 ancient Greek soldiers await an onslaught of

Greece, 7,000 ancient Greek soldiers await an onslaught of epic proportions.

soldiers await an onslaught of epic proportions. They will soon face the largest

epic proportions. They will soon face the largest fighting force ever assembled at

They will soon face the largest fighting force ever assembled at the time, nearly 300,000

fighting force ever assembled at the time, nearly 300,000 soldiers of the mighty Persian

the time, nearly 300,000 soldiers of the mighty Persian Empire.

soldiers of the mighty Persian Empire. Leading the Greeks are 300 of

Empire. Leading the Greeks are 300 of the most ferocious warriors of

Leading the Greeks are 300 of the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world, the Spartans.

the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world, the Spartans. >> The 300 Spartans were the

the ancient world, the Spartans. >> The 300 Spartans were the Delta Force of the ancient

>> The 300 Spartans were the Delta Force of the ancient world.

Delta Force of the ancient world. Their job was to hold that pass

world. Their job was to hold that pass or to die trying.

Their job was to hold that pass or to die trying. >> NARRATOR: For centuries,

or to die trying. >> NARRATOR: For centuries, military scholars have lionized

>> NARRATOR: For centuries, military scholars have lionized the Spartans for their courage,

military scholars have lionized the Spartans for their courage, honor, and sacrifice at

the Spartans for their courage, honor, and sacrifice at Thermopylae, for none of them

honor, and sacrifice at Thermopylae, for none of them would leave the pass alive.

Thermopylae, for none of them would leave the pass alive. >> The Battle of Thermopylae is

would leave the pass alive. >> The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most famous last

>> The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most famous last stands in history.

one of the most famous last stands in history. It's like the Alamo of the

stands in history. It's like the Alamo of the ancient world.

It's like the Alamo of the ancient world. >> NARRATOR: But Thermopylae

ancient world. >> NARRATOR: But Thermopylae will also be remembered as the

>> NARRATOR: But Thermopylae will also be remembered as the battle that would determine the

will also be remembered as the battle that would determine the course of western civilization

battle that would determine the course of western civilization and the fate of democracy.

course of western civilization and the fate of democracy. In this pass, few fight against

and the fate of democracy. In this pass, few fight against many, and 300 courageous

In this pass, few fight against many, and 300 courageous warriors make their last stand.

>> NARRATOR: 480 BC-- King Xerxes ruler of the mighty Persian Empire, arrives in

Xerxes ruler of the mighty Persian Empire, arrives in Northeastern Greece.

Persian Empire, arrives in Northeastern Greece. Xerxes leads the Persian war

Northeastern Greece. Xerxes leads the Persian war machine, the largest fighting

Xerxes leads the Persian war machine, the largest fighting force ever assembled in the

machine, the largest fighting force ever assembled in the ancient world.

>> The Persian army was the largest and most sophisticated

largest and most sophisticated army in the world for its day.

army in the world for its day. It could have routinely put a

It could have routinely put a 100,000 men field forces into

100,000 men field forces into battle at any given time.

>> NARRATOR: But for this invasion, Xerxes is believed to have mustered an even greater

invasion, Xerxes is believed to have mustered an even greater number of soldiers.

have mustered an even greater number of soldiers. Modern estimates gauge the army

number of soldiers. Modern estimates gauge the army at about 300,000 strong.

Modern estimates gauge the army at about 300,000 strong. But some believe the number

at about 300,000 strong. But some believe the number might have been as high as two

But some believe the number might have been as high as two million, similar to the number

might have been as high as two million, similar to the number of total soldiers that fought at

million, similar to the number of total soldiers that fought at Normandy on D-Day.

>> This is the largest army that any Greek alive would have ever

any Greek alive would have ever seen pass through his country.

>> NARRATOR: A fleet of about 1,000 warships escorts the massive land army.

1,000 warships escorts the massive land army. The Persian Empire is enormous.

massive land army. The Persian Empire is enormous. Its borders extend from the

The Persian Empire is enormous. Its borders extend from the Indus River in India to the Nile

Its borders extend from the Indus River in India to the Nile River in Egypt.

Indus River in India to the Nile River in Egypt. >> It was by far the largest

River in Egypt. >> It was by far the largest empire the ancient world had

>> It was by far the largest empire the ancient world had ever seen, and it disposed of

empire the ancient world had ever seen, and it disposed of enormous amounts of wealth.

ever seen, and it disposed of enormous amounts of wealth. >> NARRATOR: For five years,

enormous amounts of wealth. >> NARRATOR: For five years, Xerxes uses that wealth to

>> NARRATOR: For five years, Xerxes uses that wealth to assemble soldiers, build ships,

Xerxes uses that wealth to assemble soldiers, build ships, and buy supplies and food for

assemble soldiers, build ships, and buy supplies and food for his invasion of Greece.

and buy supplies and food for his invasion of Greece. His intention is to burn the

his invasion of Greece. His intention is to burn the Greek city-state of Athens to

His intention is to burn the Greek city-state of Athens to the ground.

Greek city-state of Athens to the ground. >> You have to stop and think of

the ground. >> You have to stop and think of the incredible differences in

>> You have to stop and think of the incredible differences in size of the two adversaries.

the incredible differences in size of the two adversaries. First, you have Greece, with a

size of the two adversaries. First, you have Greece, with a population of about 500,000 to

First, you have Greece, with a population of about 500,000 to 600,000.

population of about 500,000 to 600,000. It's essentially nothing on the

600,000. It's essentially nothing on the world stage.

It's essentially nothing on the world stage. It's a backwater, almost a

world stage. It's a backwater, almost a nonentity.

It's a backwater, almost a nonentity. Now, compare that to the Persian

nonentity. Now, compare that to the Persian Empire, which consisted of

Now, compare that to the Persian Empire, which consisted of millions and millions of

Empire, which consisted of millions and millions of different people and was

millions and millions of different people and was literally the largest Empire in

different people and was literally the largest Empire in the world at the time.

literally the largest Empire in the world at the time. It would be like every state in

the world at the time. It would be like every state in the United States ganging up on

It would be like every state in the United States ganging up on Cuba, for example.

the United States ganging up on Cuba, for example. >> NARRATOR: Some historians

Cuba, for example. >> NARRATOR: Some historians believe that Xerxes was

>> NARRATOR: Some historians believe that Xerxes was attempting to conquer Athens to

believe that Xerxes was attempting to conquer Athens to expand his empire to the west.

attempting to conquer Athens to expand his empire to the west. But others believe that the

expand his empire to the west. But others believe that the invasion of Greece was a

But others believe that the invasion of Greece was a punitive expedition to punish

invasion of Greece was a punitive expedition to punish Athens for supporting a

punitive expedition to punish Athens for supporting a rebellion against Persia 25

Athens for supporting a rebellion against Persia 25 years earlier.

rebellion against Persia 25 years earlier. >> Whatever the reasons for

years earlier. >> Whatever the reasons for Xerxes' attack, this invasion

>> Whatever the reasons for Xerxes' attack, this invasion comes at a crucial point in the

Xerxes' attack, this invasion comes at a crucial point in the history of Athens.

The democracy, one of the fundamental foundations of

fundamental foundations of Western civilization, is very

Western civilization, is very young, and this invasion

young, and this invasion threatens to kill it in its

threatens to kill it in its infancy.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes assembles his army in the Persian province of Lydia, or modern day Turkey,

his army in the Persian province of Lydia, or modern day Turkey, and marches 850 miles around the

of Lydia, or modern day Turkey, and marches 850 miles around the Aegean Sea to Greece.

and marches 850 miles around the Aegean Sea to Greece. In August of 480 BC, he reaches

Aegean Sea to Greece. In August of 480 BC, he reaches a narrow pass.

In August of 480 BC, he reaches a narrow pass. This is Thermopylae, the

a narrow pass. This is Thermopylae, the historic location where the

This is Thermopylae, the historic location where the Greeks have staged their defense

historic location where the Greeks have staged their defense and where the three-day battle

Greeks have staged their defense and where the three-day battle will unfold.

and where the three-day battle will unfold. Most believe the pass, at the

will unfold. Most believe the pass, at the time, is only some 200 yards at

Most believe the pass, at the time, is only some 200 yards at its widest.

time, is only some 200 yards at its widest. On the south side of the pass is

its widest. On the south side of the pass is Mt. Kallidromos.

On the south side of the pass is Mt. Kallidromos. Nearly 5,000 feet tall, the base

Mt. Kallidromos. Nearly 5,000 feet tall, the base of the mountain is about 300

Nearly 5,000 feet tall, the base of the mountain is about 300 feet of sheer vertical cliff.

of the mountain is about 300 feet of sheer vertical cliff. To the north of the pass is

feet of sheer vertical cliff. To the north of the pass is another cliff looming over the

To the north of the pass is another cliff looming over the Aegean Sea.

another cliff looming over the Aegean Sea. >> Geographically, Thermopylae

Aegean Sea. >> Geographically, Thermopylae is a natural choke point between

>> Geographically, Thermopylae is a natural choke point between the north of Greece and the

is a natural choke point between the north of Greece and the mainland in the south where the

the north of Greece and the mainland in the south where the main cities are.

There was no other way to get from the north the south.

from the north the south. So Leonidas and the Spartans

So Leonidas and the Spartans and all of the Greeks knew that

and all of the Greeks knew that this was the one place where a

this was the one place where a stand could be made.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes sends a scout into the pass to see what lies in the way of Persia's

scout into the pass to see what lies in the way of Persia's advance toward Athens.

lies in the way of Persia's advance toward Athens. The scout discovers 7,000 Greek

advance toward Athens. The scout discovers 7,000 Greek soldiers blocking the east end

The scout discovers 7,000 Greek soldiers blocking the east end of the Pass.

soldiers blocking the east end of the Pass. The Persians outnumber the

of the Pass. The Persians outnumber the Greeks nearly 50 to one.

The Persians outnumber the Greeks nearly 50 to one. Despite their inferior numbers,

Greeks nearly 50 to one. Despite their inferior numbers, however, the Greeks have

Despite their inferior numbers, however, the Greeks have positioned themselves so that

however, the Greeks have positioned themselves so that they might be able to withstand

positioned themselves so that they might be able to withstand the Persian attack.

they might be able to withstand the Persian attack. In a brilliant strategic move,

the Persian attack. In a brilliant strategic move, the Greeks have taken away the

In a brilliant strategic move, the Greeks have taken away the Persian numerical advantage by

the Greeks have taken away the Persian numerical advantage by choosing Thermopylae as the

Persian numerical advantage by choosing Thermopylae as the battlefield.

choosing Thermopylae as the battlefield. >> If you look at the Battle of

battlefield. >> If you look at the Battle of Thermopylae from kind of an

>> If you look at the Battle of Thermopylae from kind of an overhead view, what you see is a

Thermopylae from kind of an overhead view, what you see is a narrow pass in which the ground

overhead view, what you see is a narrow pass in which the ground army has to come.

narrow pass in which the ground army has to come. And that plays to the Greek

army has to come. And that plays to the Greek advantage because you can use a

And that plays to the Greek advantage because you can use a small amount of men to narrow

advantage because you can use a small amount of men to narrow the front and put up a good,

small amount of men to narrow the front and put up a good, significant defense.

the front and put up a good, significant defense. >> What a pass does is reduce

significant defense. >> What a pass does is reduce the strength of an army.

>> What a pass does is reduce the strength of an army. It turns its strength into a

the strength of an army. It turns its strength into a weakness.

It turns its strength into a weakness. Its size becomes a liability,

weakness. Its size becomes a liability, because you have to funnel

Its size becomes a liability, because you have to funnel everyone through the pass.

because you have to funnel everyone through the pass. So fewer men with greater

everyone through the pass. So fewer men with greater flexibility can defend against

So fewer men with greater flexibility can defend against larger numbers of men.

flexibility can defend against larger numbers of men. >> NARRATOR: The Greek fighting

larger numbers of men. >> NARRATOR: The Greek fighting force is one that has never

>> NARRATOR: The Greek fighting force is one that has never before been seen, for it is the

force is one that has never before been seen, for it is the first time in their long history

before been seen, for it is the first time in their long history that the Greeks fight together

first time in their long history that the Greeks fight together instead of against each other.

that the Greeks fight together instead of against each other. Greece at this time is not yet a

instead of against each other. Greece at this time is not yet a unified country.

Greece at this time is not yet a unified country. It is a collection of small

unified country. It is a collection of small city-states that often battle

It is a collection of small city-states that often battle each other for regional

city-states that often battle each other for regional supremacy.

each other for regional supremacy. The largest of the city-states,

supremacy. The largest of the city-states, Athens and Sparta, are

The largest of the city-states, Athens and Sparta, are notoriously bitter rivals.

Athens and Sparta, are notoriously bitter rivals. But at Thermopylae, they set

notoriously bitter rivals. But at Thermopylae, they set aside their differences and join

But at Thermopylae, they set aside their differences and join together to fight the common

aside their differences and join together to fight the common Persian enemy.

together to fight the common Persian enemy. Leading the entire Greek

Persian enemy. Leading the entire Greek coalition army is the great

Leading the entire Greek coalition army is the great Spartan king and future hero of

coalition army is the great Spartan king and future hero of Thermopylae, Leonidas.

Spartan king and future hero of Thermopylae, Leonidas. >> Leonidas was one of the two

Thermopylae, Leonidas. >> Leonidas was one of the two kings of Sparta.

>> Leonidas was one of the two kings of Sparta. He was the man who was chosen by

kings of Sparta. He was the man who was chosen by the allied Greeks, by all the

He was the man who was chosen by the allied Greeks, by all the city-states, to go and hold the

the allied Greeks, by all the city-states, to go and hold the pass at Thermopylae.

city-states, to go and hold the pass at Thermopylae. He was the one who chose the

pass at Thermopylae. He was the one who chose the troops who would go and was the

He was the one who chose the troops who would go and was the general in charge of it.

troops who would go and was the general in charge of it. His job was to stand and fight

general in charge of it. His job was to stand and fight to the death.

His job was to stand and fight to the death. >> NARRATOR: The last stand at

to the death. >> NARRATOR: The last stand at Thermopylae will catapult

>> NARRATOR: The last stand at Thermopylae will catapult Leonidas into legend.

Thermopylae will catapult Leonidas into legend. From this time on, every Greek

Leonidas into legend. From this time on, every Greek citizen will know his name and

From this time on, every Greek citizen will know his name and what he and the 300 Spartans did

citizen will know his name and what he and the 300 Spartans did at Thermopylae.

what he and the 300 Spartans did at Thermopylae. A Persian advisor informs Xerxes

at Thermopylae. A Persian advisor informs Xerxes of the Spartan-led defense.

A Persian advisor informs Xerxes of the Spartan-led defense. The exchange is described by the

of the Spartan-led defense. The exchange is described by the ancient Greek historian

The exchange is described by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in his work The

ancient Greek historian Herodotus in his work The Histories considered to be one

Herodotus in his work The Histories considered to be one of the earliest reports on

Histories considered to be one of the earliest reports on Thermopylae.

of the earliest reports on Thermopylae. >> Listen to me.

Thermopylae. >> Listen to me. These men here have come to

>> Listen to me. These men here have come to fight with us for the pass and

These men here have come to fight with us for the pass and are making themselves ready in

fight with us for the pass and are making themselves ready in the ways they need to.

are making themselves ready in the ways they need to. If you can trample these men

the ways they need to. If you can trample these men down and subdue the army that

If you can trample these men down and subdue the army that remains behind in Sparta, there

down and subdue the army that remains behind in Sparta, there exists no tribe of men, oh king,

remains behind in Sparta, there exists no tribe of men, oh king, that would raise their hands

exists no tribe of men, oh king, that would raise their hands against you.

that would raise their hands against you. >> NARRATOR: But Xerxes is not

against you. >> NARRATOR: But Xerxes is not only relying on his army to

>> NARRATOR: But Xerxes is not only relying on his army to defeat Leonidas and the Spartan-

only relying on his army to defeat Leonidas and the Spartan- led land defense.

Off the coast of Thermopylae, in a narrow waterway called the

a narrow waterway called the Artemesium Strait, the Persian

Artemesium Strait, the Persian navy waits.

navy waits. They will attempt to sail behind

They will attempt to sail behind Leonidas' army and surround him.

Leonidas' army and surround him. >> If the Persian Navy gets

>> If the Persian Navy gets through Artemiseum, then what

through Artemiseum, then what happens is, as Xerxes' main

happens is, as Xerxes' main force slams into you in the

force slams into you in the front, the land troops behind

front, the land troops behind you can come up and catch you in

you can come up and catch you in a pincer movement.

So in order to stand at Thermopylae, you have got to

Thermopylae, you have got to stop the Persian navy at Artemesium.

stop the Persian navy at Artemesium. >> NARRATOR: To stop the Persian

Artemesium. >> NARRATOR: To stop the Persian navy, 200 Greek war ships will

>> NARRATOR: To stop the Persian navy, 200 Greek war ships will attempt to defend the narrow

navy, 200 Greek war ships will attempt to defend the narrow strait.

attempt to defend the narrow strait. On the Athenian flagship is the

strait. On the Athenian flagship is the Greek military commander

On the Athenian flagship is the Greek military commander Themistocles, an Athenian

Greek military commander Themistocles, an Athenian politician and the man many

Themistocles, an Athenian politician and the man many consider responsible for

politician and the man many consider responsible for creating the combined land and

consider responsible for creating the combined land and sea defense against the

creating the combined land and sea defense against the Persians.

sea defense against the Persians. If either Themistocles or

Persians. If either Themistocles or Leonidas fail, tens of thousands

If either Themistocles or Leonidas fail, tens of thousands of Athenians will surely perish,

Leonidas fail, tens of thousands of Athenians will surely perish, and the rest of the Greek city-

of Athenians will surely perish, and the rest of the Greek city- states face possible

and the rest of the Greek city- states face possible enslavement.

states face possible enslavement. The stage is set.

enslavement. The stage is set. The fighters are in their

The stage is set. The fighters are in their corners.

The fighters are in their corners. The bell of destiny is about to

corners. The bell of destiny is about to ring.

The bell of destiny is about to ring. Xerxes strikes first.

ring. Xerxes strikes first. About 150 yards away from the

Xerxes strikes first. About 150 yards away from the Greeks, thousands of Persian

About 150 yards away from the Greeks, thousands of Persian archers launch a barrage of

Greeks, thousands of Persian archers launch a barrage of arrows.

Leonidas and the Spartans have waited their entire lives for this moment, for the Spartans

waited their entire lives for this moment, for the Spartans are born for battle.

Around 530 BC, 50 years before the battle at Thermopylae, Leonidas is a newborn and faces

the battle at Thermopylae, Leonidas is a newborn and faces the first challenge of his

Leonidas is a newborn and faces the first challenge of his military life.

the first challenge of his military life. A Spartan elder examines

military life. A Spartan elder examines Leonidas for defects.

A Spartan elder examines Leonidas for defects. >> At birth, the first act of

Leonidas for defects. >> At birth, the first act of the state after you were out of

>> At birth, the first act of the state after you were out of your mama's womb was to look at

the state after you were out of your mama's womb was to look at you and say you are fit or you

your mama's womb was to look at you and say you are fit or you are not fit to live in this

you and say you are fit or you are not fit to live in this society.

are not fit to live in this society. >> This was a hard-core warrior

society. >> This was a hard-core warrior society.

>> This was a hard-core warrior society. You couldn't have anybody that

society. You couldn't have anybody that might be a weakling or be a weak

You couldn't have anybody that might be a weakling or be a weak link.

might be a weakling or be a weak link. If a baby had any imperfection

link. If a baby had any imperfection at all, they didn't allow them

If a baby had any imperfection at all, they didn't allow them to live.

at all, they didn't allow them to live. >> The child would be "exposed."

to live. >> The child would be "exposed." There was a sacred hillside

>> The child would be "exposed." There was a sacred hillside where the child would be taken

There was a sacred hillside where the child would be taken and left there to die.

where the child would be taken and left there to die. >> NARRATOR: No consideration is

and left there to die. >> NARRATOR: No consideration is given to the feelings of the

>> NARRATOR: No consideration is given to the feelings of the parents.

given to the feelings of the parents. All that mattered is the benefit

parents. All that mattered is the benefit of the child to the state.

All that mattered is the benefit of the child to the state. >> Only two people in the

of the child to the state. >> Only two people in the Spartan state could have a

>> Only two people in the Spartan state could have a tombstone with their name on it:

Spartan state could have a tombstone with their name on it: one, a man who died in battle;

tombstone with their name on it: one, a man who died in battle; the other, a woman who died in

one, a man who died in battle; the other, a woman who died in childbirth, because both acts

the other, a woman who died in childbirth, because both acts were seen as giving your life

childbirth, because both acts were seen as giving your life for the state.

were seen as giving your life for the state. If you reflect on that for a few

for the state. If you reflect on that for a few moments-- childbirth, child

If you reflect on that for a few moments-- childbirth, child rearing is for the state; not

moments-- childbirth, child rearing is for the state; not the family, not the individual,

rearing is for the state; not the family, not the individual, it's for the state.

the family, not the individual, it's for the state. >> NARRATOR: While strong babies

it's for the state. >> NARRATOR: While strong babies like Leonidas are spared, many

>> NARRATOR: While strong babies like Leonidas are spared, many in this warrior cult are left to

like Leonidas are spared, many in this warrior cult are left to perish.

in this warrior cult are left to perish. The Spartans believe that these

perish. The Spartans believe that these babies would likely not even

The Spartans believe that these babies would likely not even survive the unique Spartan

babies would likely not even survive the unique Spartan training program, one which

survive the unique Spartan training program, one which transforms ordinary boys into

training program, one which transforms ordinary boys into killing machines.

transforms ordinary boys into killing machines. The Greek historian Herodotus

killing machines. The Greek historian Herodotus writes that at age seven, every

The Greek historian Herodotus writes that at age seven, every Spartan boy, including Leonidas,

writes that at age seven, every Spartan boy, including Leonidas, is taken from his family and

Spartan boy, including Leonidas, is taken from his family and placed in military training

is taken from his family and placed in military training camps.

placed in military training camps. >> The life of a young Spartan

camps. >> The life of a young Spartan boy would strike us as harsh

>> The life of a young Spartan boy would strike us as harsh today.

boy would strike us as harsh today. Until about age seven, he would

today. Until about age seven, he would be left with his mother mostly,

Until about age seven, he would be left with his mother mostly, father would make visits, et

be left with his mother mostly, father would make visits, et cetera, would be kind of a

father would make visits, et cetera, would be kind of a normal boy.

cetera, would be kind of a normal boy. At that point, he would be taken

normal boy. At that point, he would be taken into a kind of a state system of

At that point, he would be taken into a kind of a state system of education, and there they would

into a kind of a state system of education, and there they would live a rough, military life.

education, and there they would live a rough, military life. >> NARRATOR: Here, young

live a rough, military life. >> NARRATOR: Here, young Leonidas will live, train, and

>> NARRATOR: Here, young Leonidas will live, train, and learn to kill.

Leonidas will live, train, and learn to kill. >> When a young boy was taken

learn to kill. >> When a young boy was taken from his mother at age seven and

>> When a young boy was taken from his mother at age seven and entered the agoge, the

from his mother at age seven and entered the agoge, the upbringing, he never did

entered the agoge, the upbringing, he never did anything except train for the

upbringing, he never did anything except train for the next 12 years, until he entered

anything except train for the next 12 years, until he entered the army.

next 12 years, until he entered the army. >> Their education focused on

the army. >> Their education focused on military skills and discipline

>> Their education focused on military skills and discipline and toughness.

military skills and discipline and toughness. They were often not fed

and toughness. They were often not fed sufficiently so they would be

They were often not fed sufficiently so they would be hungry all the time.

sufficiently so they would be hungry all the time. This would encourage them to

hungry all the time. This would encourage them to steal in order to eat.

>> You were taught not to cry. You were taught to conceal pain. The whole society was set up to

You were taught to conceal pain. The whole society was set up to try and strip you of individual

The whole society was set up to try and strip you of individual identity.

>> Another very bizarre ritual that they engaged in to make sure that their guys were tough

that they engaged in to make sure that their guys were tough is that they would be flogged

sure that their guys were tough is that they would be flogged until they bled, in groups, and

is that they would be flogged until they bled, in groups, and whoever was the toughest and

until they bled, in groups, and whoever was the toughest and stood the longest was very

whoever was the toughest and stood the longest was very highly honored.

And families would stand around and yell and scream at the boys, "Don't you pass out, don't you

and yell and scream at the boys, "Don't you pass out, don't you pass out."

"Don't you pass out, don't you pass out." There does seem to be some

pass out." There does seem to be some indication that there was an

There does seem to be some indication that there was an increasing level of violence

indication that there was an increasing level of violence as you got older.

increasing level of violence as you got older. And one suspects that this is

as you got older. And one suspects that this is aimed toward ultimately the

And one suspects that this is aimed toward ultimately the experience of battle, where you

aimed toward ultimately the experience of battle, where you have blood, brains, and

experience of battle, where you have blood, brains, and everything all over you.

have blood, brains, and everything all over you. >> In some ways, you really want

everything all over you. >> In some ways, you really want to see the Spartans as a

>> In some ways, you really want to see the Spartans as a dysfunctional fraternity, where

to see the Spartans as a dysfunctional fraternity, where the hazing and the other aspects

dysfunctional fraternity, where the hazing and the other aspects of fraternity life go awry.

the hazing and the other aspects of fraternity life go awry. >> NARRATOR: As the boys get

of fraternity life go awry. >> NARRATOR: As the boys get older, the training becomes more

>> NARRATOR: As the boys get older, the training becomes more and more intense.

older, the training becomes more and more intense. ( man yelling )

and more intense. ( man yelling ) >> You will get strong, or you

( man yelling ) >> You will get strong, or you will die!

>> You will get strong, or you will die! Push, Spartan!

will die! Push, Spartan! Push!

Push, Spartan! Push! >> NARRATOR: By the time

Push! >> NARRATOR: By the time Leonidas and the Spartan boys

>> NARRATOR: By the time Leonidas and the Spartan boys reach their early teens, weapons

Leonidas and the Spartan boys reach their early teens, weapons like wooden swords and tipless

reach their early teens, weapons like wooden swords and tipless spears are added to the military

like wooden swords and tipless spears are added to the military training.

spears are added to the military training. Still, during these war games,

training. Still, during these war games, consequences can be deadly.

>> Youths were killed in the course of this fight. It's preparation-- you're going

course of this fight. It's preparation-- you're going to see your comrades and your

It's preparation-- you're going to see your comrades and your youth mates being killed.

to see your comrades and your youth mates being killed. >> NARRATOR: One of the final

youth mates being killed. >> NARRATOR: One of the final tests of all young Spartans is

>> NARRATOR: One of the final tests of all young Spartans is also one of the most brutal.

tests of all young Spartans is also one of the most brutal. Leonidas must sneak out of his

also one of the most brutal. Leonidas must sneak out of his barracks at night and murder a

Leonidas must sneak out of his barracks at night and murder a local slave, called a helot.

barracks at night and murder a local slave, called a helot. >> Think about this for a

local slave, called a helot. >> Think about this for a second.

>> Think about this for a second. Every culture throughout history

second. Every culture throughout history has its own version of a male's

Every culture throughout history has its own version of a male's rite of passage, when a boy

has its own version of a male's rite of passage, when a boy crosses that threshold and

rite of passage, when a boy crosses that threshold and becomes a man.

crosses that threshold and becomes a man. In the Spartan society, you

becomes a man. In the Spartan society, you didn't become a man until you

In the Spartan society, you didn't become a man until you strangled somebody to death.

didn't become a man until you strangled somebody to death. >> NARRATOR: The practice of

strangled somebody to death. >> NARRATOR: The practice of killing a helot is centuries old

>> NARRATOR: The practice of killing a helot is centuries old by the time Leonidas is ready to

killing a helot is centuries old by the time Leonidas is ready to become a man.

by the time Leonidas is ready to become a man. The key to this ritual, however,

become a man. The key to this ritual, however, is not the murder itself.

The key to this ritual, however, is not the murder itself. >> What you were not supposed to

is not the murder itself. >> What you were not supposed to do was to get caught doing it,

>> What you were not supposed to do was to get caught doing it, and you would be punished

do was to get caught doing it, and you would be punished severely for being caught doing

and you would be punished severely for being caught doing it.

severely for being caught doing it. Because what the institution was

it. Because what the institution was meant to train you in was the

Because what the institution was meant to train you in was the art of evasion, the art of being

meant to train you in was the art of evasion, the art of being a good soldier, the art of being

art of evasion, the art of being a good soldier, the art of being stealthy.

a good soldier, the art of being stealthy. >> NARRATOR: By the time

stealthy. >> NARRATOR: By the time Leonidas is 18, his education is

>> NARRATOR: By the time Leonidas is 18, his education is complete.

Leonidas is 18, his education is complete. He has survived a Spartan

complete. He has survived a Spartan training designed to weed out

He has survived a Spartan training designed to weed out the weak.

training designed to weed out the weak. He has learned to kill or be

the weak. He has learned to kill or be killed.

He has learned to kill or be killed. He and the other soldiers are

killed. He and the other soldiers are inducted into the army.

He and the other soldiers are inducted into the army. >> For Spartan parents, this was

inducted into the army. >> For Spartan parents, this was one of the proudest moments of

>> For Spartan parents, this was one of the proudest moments of their lives.

one of the proudest moments of their lives. It signified the transformation

their lives. It signified the transformation of their son from being a child

It signified the transformation of their son from being a child into being a man.

of their son from being a child into being a man. This is especially true of

into being a man. This is especially true of mothers, because it validated

This is especially true of mothers, because it validated the sacrifice that they made for

mothers, because it validated the sacrifice that they made for the state.

the sacrifice that they made for the state. She would send her child off at

the state. She would send her child off at the age seven or so to become a

She would send her child off at the age seven or so to become a warrior, and now at 18, she was

the age seven or so to become a warrior, and now at 18, she was sending him off to battle.

warrior, and now at 18, she was sending him off to battle. One of the most telling stories

sending him off to battle. One of the most telling stories is of a Spartan mother sending

One of the most telling stories is of a Spartan mother sending her son off to war and, as she

is of a Spartan mother sending her son off to war and, as she was handing him the shield, she

her son off to war and, as she was handing him the shield, she would tell him in Greek

was handing him the shield, she would tell him in Greek ( speaks Greek )-- "with this

would tell him in Greek ( speaks Greek )-- "with this shield or on it."

( speaks Greek )-- "with this shield or on it." And what this means is, "Come

shield or on it." And what this means is, "Come back victorious with your shield

And what this means is, "Come back victorious with your shield or come back a corpse carried on

back victorious with your shield or come back a corpse carried on it."

or come back a corpse carried on it." Basically, you either win the

it." Basically, you either win the battle or you die.

Basically, you either win the battle or you die. Spartan mothers believed in

battle or you die. Spartan mothers believed in tough love.

Spartan mothers believed in tough love. >> NARRATOR: In this Spartan

tough love. >> NARRATOR: In this Spartan warrior cult, the women are also

>> NARRATOR: In this Spartan warrior cult, the women are also renowned for their physical

warrior cult, the women are also renowned for their physical strengths.

Sometimes, a Spartan man will try to forcefully take a wife. But if he is not to her liking,

try to forcefully take a wife. But if he is not to her liking, and she is strong enough to fend

But if he is not to her liking, and she is strong enough to fend him off, the man will fail.

and she is strong enough to fend him off, the man will fail. If the Spartan male is a worthy

him off, the man will fail. If the Spartan male is a worthy and attractive warrior, like

If the Spartan male is a worthy and attractive warrior, like Leonidas, he will succeed in

and attractive warrior, like Leonidas, he will succeed in winning a wife.

Leonidas, he will succeed in winning a wife. But home life for a Spartan

winning a wife. But home life for a Spartan warrior was anything but

But home life for a Spartan warrior was anything but typical, as they were often on

warrior was anything but typical, as they were often on the battlefield.

typical, as they were often on the battlefield. >> The Spartans were really the

the battlefield. >> The Spartans were really the first professionals in warcraft

>> The Spartans were really the first professionals in warcraft among the Greek city states.

first professionals in warcraft among the Greek city states. Every summer, they would have

among the Greek city states. Every summer, they would have wars-- the Greek city-states,

Every summer, they would have wars-- the Greek city-states, they would go over whatever pass

wars-- the Greek city-states, they would go over whatever pass separated them from the next

they would go over whatever pass separated them from the next town, they would just beat the

separated them from the next town, they would just beat the hell out of each other.

town, they would just beat the hell out of each other. The guys had, you know, their

hell out of each other. The guys had, you know, their swords, their spears were up

The guys had, you know, their swords, their spears were up over the fireplace, their

swords, their spears were up over the fireplace, their shields were there, and when

over the fireplace, their shields were there, and when summer came, they'd go and

shields were there, and when summer came, they'd go and they'd beat each other's brains

summer came, they'd go and they'd beat each other's brains out.

they'd beat each other's brains out. >> NARRATOR: It seems that the

out. >> NARRATOR: It seems that the regional conflicts Leonidas

>> NARRATOR: It seems that the regional conflicts Leonidas fights are preparation for an

regional conflicts Leonidas fights are preparation for an ultimate battle looming on the

fights are preparation for an ultimate battle looming on the horizon-- against the Persians

at Thermopylae.

>> NARRATOR: 481 BC, one year before the Battle of Thermopylae, a Greek spy

before the Battle of Thermopylae, a Greek spy discovers that the Persian King

Thermopylae, a Greek spy discovers that the Persian King Xerxes is mobilizing his army.

discovers that the Persian King Xerxes is mobilizing his army. It is a force many believe to be

Xerxes is mobilizing his army. It is a force many believe to be nearly 300,000 strong.

It is a force many believe to be nearly 300,000 strong. >> To a Greek eye looking at

nearly 300,000 strong. >> To a Greek eye looking at this, it would look like the

>> To a Greek eye looking at this, it would look like the whole world was coming down to

this, it would look like the whole world was coming down to devour you.

The numbers would have been immense.

immense. They would have been in the

They would have been in the hundred, if not hundreds of

hundred, if not hundreds of thousands, and it really would

thousands, and it really would have looked like the end of the

have looked like the end of the world.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes' intention is to burn the Greek city-state of Athens to the ground.

>> When the Athenians discovered Xerxes' plan and the enormous

Xerxes' plan and the enormous force he has put together, they

force he has put together, they quickly realize they're going to

quickly realize they're going to need help.

need help. So they send out a general call

So they send out a general call to allies to come and defend

to allies to come and defend Greece.

But the call falls on deaf ears, and the reason for that is that nobody has a concept of what

and the reason for that is that nobody has a concept of what Greece as a nation is yet.

nobody has a concept of what Greece as a nation is yet. So remember, what we think of

Greece as a nation is yet. So remember, what we think of as Greece, at the time, was just

So remember, what we think of as Greece, at the time, was just a bunch of city-states who

as Greece, at the time, was just a bunch of city-states who fought each other more often

a bunch of city-states who fought each other more often than they fought together.

>> NARRATOR: Despite their poor relations, the Athenians reach out to one of their major

relations, the Athenians reach out to one of their major regional rivals for help, the

out to one of their major regional rivals for help, the Spartans, and their king,

regional rivals for help, the Spartans, and their king, Leonidas.

Spartans, and their king, Leonidas. >> By now, Leonidas is a well-

Leonidas. >> By now, Leonidas is a well- seasoned military man.

>> By now, Leonidas is a well- seasoned military man. Remember, he has spent his

seasoned military man. Remember, he has spent his entire childhood enduring the

Remember, he has spent his entire childhood enduring the harsh training that all Spartan

entire childhood enduring the harsh training that all Spartan boys go through to learn how to

harsh training that all Spartan boys go through to learn how to be a ruthless warrior.

boys go through to learn how to be a ruthless warrior. >> And now he is one of the

be a ruthless warrior. >> And now he is one of the kings of Sparta.

>> And now he is one of the kings of Sparta. So when the Athenians come and

kings of Sparta. So when the Athenians come and ask for help, they're not

So when the Athenians come and ask for help, they're not stupid.

ask for help, they're not stupid. Leonidas is a skilled warrior,

stupid. Leonidas is a skilled warrior, but for Leonidas personally,

Leonidas is a skilled warrior, but for Leonidas personally, this request from the Athenians,

but for Leonidas personally, this request from the Athenians, it's going to seal his fate.

this request from the Athenians, it's going to seal his fate. >> NARRATOR: Before deciding

it's going to seal his fate. >> NARRATOR: Before deciding whether to help the Athenians,

>> NARRATOR: Before deciding whether to help the Athenians, the Spartans consult an oracle.

whether to help the Athenians, the Spartans consult an oracle. >> The Spartans were a very

the Spartans consult an oracle. >> The Spartans were a very religious people.

>> The Spartans were a very religious people. One of the most common ways of

religious people. One of the most common ways of interpreting the will of the

One of the most common ways of interpreting the will of the gods is through oracles, so they

interpreting the will of the gods is through oracles, so they were devoted to the Oracle at

gods is through oracles, so they were devoted to the Oracle at Delphi.

were devoted to the Oracle at Delphi. >> NARRATOR: Dating back to

Delphi. >> NARRATOR: Dating back to about 1400 BC, the Oracle at

>> NARRATOR: Dating back to about 1400 BC, the Oracle at Delphi is one of the most sacred

about 1400 BC, the Oracle at Delphi is one of the most sacred Greek shrines.

Delphi is one of the most sacred Greek shrines. In a temple erected over a small

Greek shrines. In a temple erected over a small chasm, the oracle greets

In a temple erected over a small chasm, the oracle greets information-seekers by slipping

chasm, the oracle greets information-seekers by slipping into a trance-like state.

information-seekers by slipping into a trance-like state. Some believe that ethylene

into a trance-like state. Some believe that ethylene vapors, emanating from the

Some believe that ethylene vapors, emanating from the intersection of three major

vapors, emanating from the intersection of three major fault lines deep within the

intersection of three major fault lines deep within the earth, might account for the

fault lines deep within the earth, might account for the Oracle's behavior.

earth, might account for the Oracle's behavior. Modern scientists, however, have

Oracle's behavior. Modern scientists, however, have examined the earth beneath the

Modern scientists, however, have examined the earth beneath the temple, and all studies have

examined the earth beneath the temple, and all studies have been inconclusive.

>> When the question was posed to her by one of the priests,

to her by one of the priests, she would babble something,

she would babble something, pretty much incoherent, and the

pretty much incoherent, and the priest then would take her

priest then would take her answer and deliver it to the

answer and deliver it to the person who asked.

>> Oh, men of Sparta, either your glorious city will be taken by the sons of Persia or all

your glorious city will be taken by the sons of Persia or all Sparta must mourn for the loss

by the sons of Persia or all Sparta must mourn for the loss of a king as an exchange, a

Sparta must mourn for the loss of a king as an exchange, a king, a descendant of great

of a king as an exchange, a king, a descendant of great Heracles.

king, a descendant of great Heracles. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas believes

Heracles. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas believes he is a descendant of Heracles

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas believes he is a descendant of Heracles and that the gods have chosen

he is a descendant of Heracles and that the gods have chosen him to save Sparta.

and that the gods have chosen him to save Sparta. He tells the Spartan elders that

him to save Sparta. He tells the Spartan elders that he will help the Athenians

He tells the Spartan elders that he will help the Athenians battle the Persians.

he will help the Athenians battle the Persians. >> Leonidas comes to believe the

battle the Persians. >> Leonidas comes to believe the oracle is referring to him-- his

>> Leonidas comes to believe the oracle is referring to him-- his death, his sacrifice, saves

oracle is referring to him-- his death, his sacrifice, saves Sparta.

death, his sacrifice, saves Sparta. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas' decision

Sparta. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas' decision becomes mythical in scope.

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas' decision becomes mythical in scope. Yet there might be another

becomes mythical in scope. Yet there might be another reason why Leonidas decides to

Yet there might be another reason why Leonidas decides to go to battle.

reason why Leonidas decides to go to battle. >> Whether Xerxes himself

go to battle. >> Whether Xerxes himself intended to occupy Greece or

>> Whether Xerxes himself intended to occupy Greece or not, in the minds of the

intended to occupy Greece or not, in the minds of the Spartans, that's what they saw

not, in the minds of the Spartans, that's what they saw as the threat.

Spartans, that's what they saw as the threat. So the enemy of my enemy is my

as the threat. So the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and so what happens is

So the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and so what happens is they throw in their lot with the

friend, and so what happens is they throw in their lot with the Athenians.

they throw in their lot with the Athenians. Moreover, if you're going to

Athenians. Moreover, if you're going to have a combined arms defense

Moreover, if you're going to have a combined arms defense against the Persians, you might

have a combined arms defense against the Persians, you might as well have the best soldiers

against the Persians, you might as well have the best soldiers in Greece lead it.

as well have the best soldiers in Greece lead it. >> NARRATOR: Still, the Spartan

in Greece lead it. >> NARRATOR: Still, the Spartan council isn't fully convinced

>> NARRATOR: Still, the Spartan council isn't fully convinced and allows Leonidas to take only

council isn't fully convinced and allows Leonidas to take only a minimal force, a force of 300.

>> I'm convinced that the... when the 300 were selected, that

when the 300 were selected, that the other Spartans-- there were

the other Spartans-- there were about 9,000 others in the army--

about 9,000 others in the army-- I'm convinced they felt like

I'm convinced they felt like they were being cut out of a

they were being cut out of a great party.

That was what they were born to do, and they knew that would create immortality-- for them,

do, and they knew that would create immortality-- for them, for their families, for their

create immortality-- for them, for their families, for their children, not to mention, of

for their families, for their children, not to mention, of course, saving Greece.

children, not to mention, of course, saving Greece. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas chooses

course, saving Greece. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas chooses his finest warriors, but only

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas chooses his finest warriors, but only those who have already fathered

his finest warriors, but only those who have already fathered sons, to ensure their bloodline

those who have already fathered sons, to ensure their bloodline would survive.

sons, to ensure their bloodline would survive. >> Did Leonidas think it was a

would survive. >> Did Leonidas think it was a suicide mission to begin with?

>> Did Leonidas think it was a suicide mission to begin with? Maybe so, maybe not.

suicide mission to begin with? Maybe so, maybe not. What he did understand that it

Maybe so, maybe not. What he did understand that it was as a great opportunity for

What he did understand that it was as a great opportunity for one hell of a military fight and

was as a great opportunity for one hell of a military fight and a chance for Spartan and

one hell of a military fight and a chance for Spartan and personal glory, which is what

a chance for Spartan and personal glory, which is what motivated the Spartans to begin

personal glory, which is what motivated the Spartans to begin with.

motivated the Spartans to begin with. >> NARRATOR: The challenge for

with. >> NARRATOR: The challenge for Leonidas is formidable.

>> NARRATOR: The challenge for Leonidas is formidable. He will battle the world's most

Leonidas is formidable. He will battle the world's most powerful fighting force, a war

He will battle the world's most powerful fighting force, a war machine that had dominated the

powerful fighting force, a war machine that had dominated the world for nearly a century, the

machine that had dominated the world for nearly a century, the mighty Persian Empire.

world for nearly a century, the mighty Persian Empire. In 549 BC, about 70 years before

mighty Persian Empire. In 549 BC, about 70 years before the last stand at Thermopylae,

In 549 BC, about 70 years before the last stand at Thermopylae, Cyrus the Great unifies all the

the last stand at Thermopylae, Cyrus the Great unifies all the tribes in what is now central

Cyrus the Great unifies all the tribes in what is now central Iran.

tribes in what is now central Iran. He storms out of the mountains

Iran. He storms out of the mountains with an army that consists of

He storms out of the mountains with an army that consists of light and heavy infantry, as

with an army that consists of light and heavy infantry, as well as cavalry.

light and heavy infantry, as well as cavalry. >> It was Cyrus who realized the

well as cavalry. >> It was Cyrus who realized the importance of cavalry and, by

>> It was Cyrus who realized the importance of cavalry and, by hiring essentially horse-borne

importance of cavalry and, by hiring essentially horse-borne tribes, began the tradition of

hiring essentially horse-borne tribes, began the tradition of cavalry in the Persian army.

tribes, began the tradition of cavalry in the Persian army. >> NARRATOR: When a Persian army

cavalry in the Persian army. >> NARRATOR: When a Persian army took the field, it was usually

>> NARRATOR: When a Persian army took the field, it was usually made up of about 80% infantry

took the field, it was usually made up of about 80% infantry and about 20% cavalry.

made up of about 80% infantry and about 20% cavalry. This combination makes the

and about 20% cavalry. This combination makes the Persians unstoppable on the open

This combination makes the Persians unstoppable on the open plains in Asia.

Persians unstoppable on the open plains in Asia. As the infantry hits the front

plains in Asia. As the infantry hits the front of the enemy line, the cavalry

As the infantry hits the front of the enemy line, the cavalry engages the flanks, causing them

of the enemy line, the cavalry engages the flanks, causing them to crumble.

engages the flanks, causing them to crumble. Over the course of 20 years,

to crumble. Over the course of 20 years, Cyrus conquers four major

Over the course of 20 years, Cyrus conquers four major kingdoms throughout Asia--

Cyrus conquers four major kingdoms throughout Asia-- Media, Lycia, Lydia, and finally

kingdoms throughout Asia-- Media, Lycia, Lydia, and finally in 539 BC, he topples mighty

Media, Lycia, Lydia, and finally in 539 BC, he topples mighty Babylonia.

in 539 BC, he topples mighty Babylonia. Cyrus now rules an empire that

Babylonia. Cyrus now rules an empire that stretches from India to Egypt.

>> The Persian Empire was the largest and most successful

largest and most successful empire in the long history of

empire in the long history of near-Eastern empires.

They were the big guys on the block. >> NARRATOR: Cyrus divides his

block. >> NARRATOR: Cyrus divides his empire into provinces called

>> NARRATOR: Cyrus divides his empire into provinces called Satraps.

empire into provinces called Satraps. Instead of forcing conquered

Satraps. Instead of forcing conquered peoples to adopt Persian

Instead of forcing conquered peoples to adopt Persian beliefs, Cyrus allows them to

peoples to adopt Persian beliefs, Cyrus allows them to govern themselves and practice

beliefs, Cyrus allows them to govern themselves and practice their own religion.

govern themselves and practice their own religion. >> And while you had to pay

their own religion. >> And while you had to pay taxes to the central government,

>> And while you had to pay taxes to the central government, generally speaking, you could

taxes to the central government, generally speaking, you could maintain your own way of life.

generally speaking, you could maintain your own way of life. And so there was no attempt to

maintain your own way of life. And so there was no attempt to impose a single religion or to

And so there was no attempt to impose a single religion or to impose even a single civic code.

impose a single religion or to impose even a single civic code. >> NARRATOR: Cyrus is considered

impose even a single civic code. >> NARRATOR: Cyrus is considered by many to be a liberator.

>> NARRATOR: Cyrus is considered by many to be a liberator. This type of compassionate

by many to be a liberator. This type of compassionate behavior is almost unheard of in

This type of compassionate behavior is almost unheard of in the ancient world, and it might

behavior is almost unheard of in the ancient world, and it might have inadvertently led to the

the ancient world, and it might have inadvertently led to the Spartan's last stand at

have inadvertently led to the Spartan's last stand at Thermopylae.

Spartan's last stand at Thermopylae. In 546 BC, Cyrus conquers Greek

Thermopylae. In 546 BC, Cyrus conquers Greek colonies in the province of

In 546 BC, Cyrus conquers Greek colonies in the province of Ionia, or modern day Turkey.

colonies in the province of Ionia, or modern day Turkey. True to form, he allows the

Ionia, or modern day Turkey. True to form, he allows the local governors to remain in

True to form, he allows the local governors to remain in power.

local governors to remain in power. But about 50 years later, in 499

power. But about 50 years later, in 499 BC, the Greek colonists revolt.

But about 50 years later, in 499 BC, the Greek colonists revolt. >> So here the Persians are

BC, the Greek colonists revolt. >> So here the Persians are trying to do the right thing by

>> So here the Persians are trying to do the right thing by supporting the established

trying to do the right thing by supporting the established government, end up alienating

supporting the established government, end up alienating the population, and thus the

government, end up alienating the population, and thus the result is called the Ionian

the population, and thus the result is called the Ionian Revolt.

result is called the Ionian Revolt. >> NARRATOR: The Persian king is

Revolt. >> NARRATOR: The Persian king is now Cyrus' great-grandson,

>> NARRATOR: The Persian king is now Cyrus' great-grandson, Darius.

now Cyrus' great-grandson, Darius. At first, Darius allows the

Darius. At first, Darius allows the local governors to deal with the

At first, Darius allows the local governors to deal with the uprising.

local governors to deal with the uprising. But the rebels are about to

uprising. But the rebels are about to receive outside help.

But the rebels are about to receive outside help. >> When Ionia broke into full

receive outside help. >> When Ionia broke into full revolt against the Persians, it

>> When Ionia broke into full revolt against the Persians, it called on its mother country,

revolt against the Persians, it called on its mother country, Athens, for help.

called on its mother country, Athens, for help. And then the Athenians made

Athens, for help. And then the Athenians made perhaps their greatest strategic

And then the Athenians made perhaps their greatest strategic mistake of the century-- they

perhaps their greatest strategic mistake of the century-- they sent troops to help the Ionian

mistake of the century-- they sent troops to help the Ionian rebels.

sent troops to help the Ionian rebels. >> NARRATOR: With Athenian help,

rebels. >> NARRATOR: With Athenian help, rebels burn Sardis, the capital

>> NARRATOR: With Athenian help, rebels burn Sardis, the capital of Ionia, to the ground.

rebels burn Sardis, the capital of Ionia, to the ground. Herodotus writes about the

of Ionia, to the ground. Herodotus writes about the rebellion.

Herodotus writes about the rebellion. >> "Almost instantly, the fire

rebellion. >> "Almost instantly, the fire began racing from house to house

>> "Almost instantly, the fire began racing from house to house until the entire town was on

began racing from house to house until the entire town was on fire, and so Sardis was burned

until the entire town was on fire, and so Sardis was burned to the ground.

fire, and so Sardis was burned to the ground. In amongst its ruins was a

to the ground. In amongst its ruins was a temple of a native goddess,

In amongst its ruins was a temple of a native goddess, Cybebe.

temple of a native goddess, Cybebe. After the Persians saw it in

Cybebe. After the Persians saw it in ruins, they would later make it

After the Persians saw it in ruins, they would later make it a pretext for burning temples in

ruins, they would later make it a pretext for burning temples in Greece."

a pretext for burning temples in Greece." >> The Ionian Revolt is a very,

Greece." >> The Ionian Revolt is a very, very important event in the

>> The Ionian Revolt is a very, very important event in the history of Greek and Persian

very important event in the history of Greek and Persian relations, because it lays at

history of Greek and Persian relations, because it lays at the root of what was to happen

relations, because it lays at the root of what was to happen over the next almost 80 years,

the root of what was to happen over the next almost 80 years, and finally bring Athens and

over the next almost 80 years, and finally bring Athens and Persia to open conflict,

and finally bring Athens and Persia to open conflict, something it had not done

Persia to open conflict, something it had not done before.

something it had not done before. >> NARRATOR: Athens has awakened

before. >> NARRATOR: Athens has awakened a sleeping giant.

>> NARRATOR: Athens has awakened a sleeping giant. King Darius wants revenge.

a sleeping giant. King Darius wants revenge. >> This really got his goat.

King Darius wants revenge. >> This really got his goat. He used to have one of his

>> This really got his goat. He used to have one of his servants at every meal before he

He used to have one of his servants at every meal before he would take his first bite say,

servants at every meal before he would take his first bite say, "Sire, remember the Athenians."

would take his first bite say, "Sire, remember the Athenians." So Darius vowed he would pay

"Sire, remember the Athenians." So Darius vowed he would pay these guy back.

So Darius vowed he would pay these guy back. >> NARRATOR: Blood is about to

drench Greek soil.

>> NARRATOR: In 490 BC, ten years before the Spartan's last stand at Thermopylae, the

years before the Spartan's last stand at Thermopylae, the Persian King Darius sends a

stand at Thermopylae, the Persian King Darius sends a force of 30,000 across the

Persian King Darius sends a force of 30,000 across the Aegean Sea to annihilate Athens.

>> The reason for the invasion is that King Darius is upset.

is that King Darius is upset. Years earlier, the Athenians had

Years earlier, the Athenians had helped a group of Greek rebels

helped a group of Greek rebels burn a Persian city to the

burn a Persian city to the ground.

This was known as the Ionian Revolt. Now, it's payback time, and it

Revolt. Now, it's payback time, and it will result in one of the most

Now, it's payback time, and it will result in one of the most famous battles in history, the

will result in one of the most famous battles in history, the Battle of Marathon.

famous battles in history, the Battle of Marathon. >> NARRATOR: About 26 miles east

Battle of Marathon. >> NARRATOR: About 26 miles east of Athens on the plain of

>> NARRATOR: About 26 miles east of Athens on the plain of Marathon, a Greek army of about

of Athens on the plain of Marathon, a Greek army of about 8,000 marches toward the coast

Marathon, a Greek army of about 8,000 marches toward the coast to meet the invaders.

>> The Greeks see the fleet offshore transporting troops to

offshore transporting troops to attack Athens, and what they do

attack Athens, and what they do is they deploy on the beach,

is they deploy on the beach, threatening the Persians with a

threatening the Persians with a battle, and the Persians take

battle, and the Persians take the bait.

>> NARRATOR: 30,000 Persians pour off their ships and charge the Greeks.

pour off their ships and charge the Greeks. The Greeks create a defensive

the Greeks. The Greeks create a defensive line in a narrow valley between

The Greeks create a defensive line in a narrow valley between two mountains.

line in a narrow valley between two mountains. The massive Persian force

two mountains. The massive Persian force smashes into the Athenians.

The massive Persian force smashes into the Athenians. The Greeks stand strong, but

smashes into the Athenians. The Greeks stand strong, but soon the center of their

The Greeks stand strong, but soon the center of their defensive line begins to

soon the center of their defensive line begins to collapse.

defensive line begins to collapse. The Persians push forward, but

collapse. The Persians push forward, but this is a trap.

The Persians push forward, but this is a trap. While the center of the Greek

this is a trap. While the center of the Greek line retreats, the flanks remain

While the center of the Greek line retreats, the flanks remain strong.

line retreats, the flanks remain strong. As the Persians press further

strong. As the Persians press further into the valley, the Greek army

As the Persians press further into the valley, the Greek army envelops them.

into the valley, the Greek army envelops them. >> The Greeks suckered the

envelops them. >> The Greeks suckered the Persians in, and now they have

>> The Greeks suckered the Persians in, and now they have them surrounded on three sides.

Persians in, and now they have them surrounded on three sides. The Persians cannot maneuver,

them surrounded on three sides. The Persians cannot maneuver, and it's a narrow combat box.

The Persians cannot maneuver, and it's a narrow combat box. The battle becomes an absolute

and it's a narrow combat box. The battle becomes an absolute slaughter.

The battle becomes an absolute slaughter. >> NARRATOR: The Persians

slaughter. >> NARRATOR: The Persians retreat to the beach.

>> NARRATOR: The Persians retreat to the beach. The Greek commanders decide to

retreat to the beach. The Greek commanders decide to risk it all.

The Greek commanders decide to risk it all. >> Greek infantry-- it charged

risk it all. >> Greek infantry-- it charged at the run, smashed into what

>> Greek infantry-- it charged at the run, smashed into what was left of the Persian

at the run, smashed into what was left of the Persian infantry, forced them back onto

was left of the Persian infantry, forced them back onto the beach, and they scrambled to

infantry, forced them back onto the beach, and they scrambled to get aboard their boats.

the beach, and they scrambled to get aboard their boats. And as they did, they were

get aboard their boats. And as they did, they were slaughtered by the Greek

And as they did, they were slaughtered by the Greek infantry.

slaughtered by the Greek infantry. Indeed, instances of people who

infantry. Indeed, instances of people who were hanging onto the boats to

Indeed, instances of people who were hanging onto the boats to get out's hands were chopped off

were hanging onto the boats to get out's hands were chopped off by the Greeks.

get out's hands were chopped off by the Greeks. >> NARRATOR: The Greeks send a

by the Greeks. >> NARRATOR: The Greeks send a runner to Athens to report the

>> NARRATOR: The Greeks send a runner to Athens to report the great victory.

runner to Athens to report the great victory. The messenger runs a distance of

great victory. The messenger runs a distance of about 26 miles.

The messenger runs a distance of about 26 miles. >> And that's why today the

about 26 miles. >> And that's why today the marathon race is 26 miles.

>> And that's why today the marathon race is 26 miles. What they don't tell you is the

marathon race is 26 miles. What they don't tell you is the runner who ran into the square

What they don't tell you is the runner who ran into the square of Athens yelled, "Nike,"

runner who ran into the square of Athens yelled, "Nike," meaning "victory," dropped dead

of Athens yelled, "Nike," meaning "victory," dropped dead from exhaustion.

>> NARRATOR: The Athenians build the original Parthenon to

the original Parthenon to commemorate the famous victory

commemorate the famous victory at Marathon over the Persians.

The building and the battle send shock waves through the Persian Empire.

shock waves through the Persian Empire. >> To be sure, a great empire

Empire. >> To be sure, a great empire like Persia and a great king

>> To be sure, a great empire like Persia and a great king cannot allow an insult directly

like Persia and a great king cannot allow an insult directly to his national prestige, and

cannot allow an insult directly to his national prestige, and that's what the pinprick at

to his national prestige, and that's what the pinprick at Marathon did.

that's what the pinprick at Marathon did. I mean, it basically said to

Marathon did. I mean, it basically said to everyone who looked, "Look at

I mean, it basically said to everyone who looked, "Look at this-- this little power stood

everyone who looked, "Look at this-- this little power stood up to this great giant."

this-- this little power stood up to this great giant." >> NARRATOR: Persia's first

up to this great giant." >> NARRATOR: Persia's first attempt at revenge against

>> NARRATOR: Persia's first attempt at revenge against Athens has failed miserably.

attempt at revenge against Athens has failed miserably. Darius plans another attack but

Athens has failed miserably. Darius plans another attack but dies before the invasion can be

Darius plans another attack but dies before the invasion can be realized.

dies before the invasion can be realized. Persian vengeance becomes the

realized. Persian vengeance becomes the responsibility of Darius' son,

Persian vengeance becomes the responsibility of Darius' son, Xerxes.

responsibility of Darius' son, Xerxes. >> One of the interesting things

Xerxes. >> One of the interesting things about the monarchs of the

>> One of the interesting things about the monarchs of the ancient world, whether you look

about the monarchs of the ancient world, whether you look at Egypt or Syria or Persia, is

ancient world, whether you look at Egypt or Syria or Persia, is they groomed their sons to be

at Egypt or Syria or Persia, is they groomed their sons to be warrior kings by sending them to

they groomed their sons to be warrior kings by sending them to school.

warrior kings by sending them to school. >> NARRATOR: While Xerxes no

school. >> NARRATOR: While Xerxes no doubt has spent time in the

>> NARRATOR: While Xerxes no doubt has spent time in the classroom learning philosophy,

doubt has spent time in the classroom learning philosophy, mathematics, and military

classroom learning philosophy, mathematics, and military tactics, he is also taught how

mathematics, and military tactics, he is also taught how to fight his way out of the most

tactics, he is also taught how to fight his way out of the most extreme life or death

to fight his way out of the most extreme life or death situations.

extreme life or death situations. >> You took a fixed courtyard,

situations. >> You took a fixed courtyard, and the kid stood in the

>> You took a fixed courtyard, and the kid stood in the courtyard.

and the kid stood in the courtyard. They turned a lion loose on him.

courtyard. They turned a lion loose on him. Kill the lion or be killed.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes' pedigree and training help prepare him to rule the world's largest and

and training help prepare him to rule the world's largest and most dominant Empire.

rule the world's largest and most dominant Empire. But Xerxes has only one thing on

most dominant Empire. But Xerxes has only one thing on his mind when he becomes king--

But Xerxes has only one thing on his mind when he becomes king-- revenge against Athens.

his mind when he becomes king-- revenge against Athens. For ten years, he plans his

revenge against Athens. For ten years, he plans his massive attack.

For ten years, he plans his massive attack. >> Xerxes was no hick, no

massive attack. >> Xerxes was no hick, no hayseed.

>> Xerxes was no hick, no hayseed. He was a man who was born to the

hayseed. He was a man who was born to the purple and had been educated as

He was a man who was born to the purple and had been educated as both a warrior and a ruler, and

purple and had been educated as both a warrior and a ruler, and he was a good ruler.

both a warrior and a ruler, and he was a good ruler. I mean, the only reason why we

he was a good ruler. I mean, the only reason why we hold it against him apparently

I mean, the only reason why we hold it against him apparently in the West is because he

hold it against him apparently in the West is because he attempted burning of Athens--

in the West is because he attempted burning of Athens-- what a terrible thing to do.

attempted burning of Athens-- what a terrible thing to do. >> NARRATOR: In 481 BC, when a

what a terrible thing to do. >> NARRATOR: In 481 BC, when a Greek spy discovers Xerxes'

>> NARRATOR: In 481 BC, when a Greek spy discovers Xerxes' plan, he sees not just a massive

Greek spy discovers Xerxes' plan, he sees not just a massive army; he sees a people who are

plan, he sees not just a massive army; he sees a people who are far superior technologically

army; he sees a people who are far superior technologically than the Greeks.

far superior technologically than the Greeks. For King Xerxes is about to do

than the Greeks. For King Xerxes is about to do the impossible: he is about to

For King Xerxes is about to do the impossible: he is about to walk across water.

the impossible: he is about to walk across water. Xerxes wants to march his army

walk across water. Xerxes wants to march his army of 300,000 across the

Xerxes wants to march his army of 300,000 across the Hellespont, a mile-wide waterway

of 300,000 across the Hellespont, a mile-wide waterway that connects Asia to Europe

Hellespont, a mile-wide waterway that connects Asia to Europe just south of the Black Sea.

that connects Asia to Europe just south of the Black Sea. >> If they were going to do this

just south of the Black Sea. >> If they were going to do this entirely by land, they would

>> If they were going to do this entirely by land, they would have to walk around the Black

entirely by land, they would have to walk around the Black Sea, which would add about two

have to walk around the Black Sea, which would add about two years to their march and would

Sea, which would add about two years to their march and would require them to conquer whole

years to their march and would require them to conquer whole other sets of people.

require them to conquer whole other sets of people. >> NARRATOR: To get his massive

other sets of people. >> NARRATOR: To get his massive force across the Hellespont,

>> NARRATOR: To get his massive force across the Hellespont, Xerxes orders his engineers to

force across the Hellespont, Xerxes orders his engineers to build a mile-long pontoon bridge

Xerxes orders his engineers to build a mile-long pontoon bridge made of old transport ships.

build a mile-long pontoon bridge made of old transport ships. >> At the time this was going

made of old transport ships. >> At the time this was going on, there was a transition in

>> At the time this was going on, there was a transition in the design of ships.

on, there was a transition in the design of ships. New ships were coming on line;

the design of ships. New ships were coming on line; lots of old ones, old cargo

New ships were coming on line; lots of old ones, old cargo ships were available at cheap

lots of old ones, old cargo ships were available at cheap money-- they were simply bought

ships were available at cheap money-- they were simply bought and strung together.

money-- they were simply bought and strung together. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes' engineers

and strung together. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes' engineers line nearly 700 ships next to

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes' engineers line nearly 700 ships next to one another.

line nearly 700 ships next to one another. Likely using boulders, they

one another. Likely using boulders, they anchor each ship to the sea

Likely using boulders, they anchor each ship to the sea floor from both the bow and the

anchor each ship to the sea floor from both the bow and the stern.

floor from both the bow and the stern. Then they tether the ships

stern. Then they tether the ships together with two different

Then they tether the ships together with two different types of special cables, one

together with two different types of special cables, one made of flax or heavy linen, the

types of special cables, one made of flax or heavy linen, the other made of papyrus.

made of flax or heavy linen, the other made of papyrus. >> Now, when we think of

other made of papyrus. >> Now, when we think of papyrus, we usually think of

>> Now, when we think of papyrus, we usually think of paper, but the Egyptians had

papyrus, we usually think of paper, but the Egyptians had come up with a way to turn the

paper, but the Egyptians had come up with a way to turn the sticky center of the papyrus

come up with a way to turn the sticky center of the papyrus plant, called the pith, into a

sticky center of the papyrus plant, called the pith, into a strong, durable rope.

plant, called the pith, into a strong, durable rope. And this is what Xerxes'

strong, durable rope. And this is what Xerxes' engineers tethered the ships

And this is what Xerxes' engineers tethered the ships with-- the papyrus rope and the

engineers tethered the ships with-- the papyrus rope and the linen rope.

with-- the papyrus rope and the linen rope. This is the high-tech part of

linen rope. This is the high-tech part of this whole operation, these long

This is the high-tech part of this whole operation, these long cables that would reach over a

this whole operation, these long cables that would reach over a mile.

>> NARRATOR: Dozens of these

sections of cable, weighing nearly two tons each, secure the

nearly two tons each, secure the boats together and are anchored

boats together and are anchored to either shore.

The Persians then nail wooden planks across the rails of each ship to create a flat surface

planks across the rails of each ship to create a flat surface over which men and animals can

ship to create a flat surface over which men and animals can march.

over which men and animals can march. >> It was a remarkable

march. >> It was a remarkable engineering feat.

>> It was a remarkable engineering feat. And it would have, again, on the

engineering feat. And it would have, again, on the Greeks on the other side, it

And it would have, again, on the Greeks on the other side, it would have given pause, because

Greeks on the other side, it would have given pause, because these are not a people who

would have given pause, because these are not a people who simply have a large army.

these are not a people who simply have a large army. These are a people who

simply have a large army. These are a people who understand the principles of

These are a people who understand the principles of engineering.

understand the principles of engineering. >> NARRATOR: The Persian army

engineering. >> NARRATOR: The Persian army crosses the bridge and begins

>> NARRATOR: The Persian army crosses the bridge and begins the march around the Aegean Sea.

crosses the bridge and begins the march around the Aegean Sea. Nearly three months later,

the march around the Aegean Sea. Nearly three months later, Xerxes and his Persian force of

Nearly three months later, Xerxes and his Persian force of 300,000 arrive in northern

Xerxes and his Persian force of 300,000 arrive in northern Greece.

300,000 arrive in northern Greece. Thanks to the Athenian spy,

Greece. Thanks to the Athenian spy, however, the Greek coalition has

Thanks to the Athenian spy, however, the Greek coalition has already established two lines of

however, the Greek coalition has already established two lines of defense.

already established two lines of defense. The first is in the southern

defense. The first is in the southern part of the peninsula at the

The first is in the southern part of the peninsula at the Isthmus of Corinth, to defend

part of the peninsula at the Isthmus of Corinth, to defend the city-states on the

Isthmus of Corinth, to defend the city-states on the Pelopenese, including Sparta.

the city-states on the Pelopenese, including Sparta. The other is the advance team in

Pelopenese, including Sparta. The other is the advance team in the north at the Thermopylae

The other is the advance team in the north at the Thermopylae Pass.

the north at the Thermopylae Pass. Here, the Spartan king Leonidas

Pass. Here, the Spartan king Leonidas leads a coalition army

Here, the Spartan king Leonidas leads a coalition army consisting of 300 Spartan

leads a coalition army consisting of 300 Spartan warriors and 7,000 soldiers from

consisting of 300 Spartan warriors and 7,000 soldiers from other Greek city-states.

warriors and 7,000 soldiers from other Greek city-states. Off the coast, the Athenian

other Greek city-states. Off the coast, the Athenian General Themistocles leads the

Off the coast, the Athenian General Themistocles leads the Greek navy and prepares to face

General Themistocles leads the Greek navy and prepares to face off against the Persian fleet in

Greek navy and prepares to face off against the Persian fleet in the narrow Artemesium Strait.

off against the Persian fleet in the narrow Artemesium Strait. The Battle of Thermopylae is at

hand.

>> NARRATOR: On a cliff overlooking the Thermopylae Pass in northeastern Greece, King

overlooking the Thermopylae Pass in northeastern Greece, King Xerxes of Persia is poised to

in northeastern Greece, King Xerxes of Persia is poised to send his army into battle.

Xerxes of Persia is poised to send his army into battle. Xerxes has marched nearly

send his army into battle. Xerxes has marched nearly 300,000 men, accompanied by

Xerxes has marched nearly 300,000 men, accompanied by 1,000 warships, around the

300,000 men, accompanied by 1,000 warships, around the Aegean Sea, with the intention

1,000 warships, around the Aegean Sea, with the intention of sacking the Greek city-state

Aegean Sea, with the intention of sacking the Greek city-state of Athens.

Waiting in the Thermopylae Pass is the Spartan king Leonidas, with nearly 7,000 Greek

is the Spartan king Leonidas, with nearly 7,000 Greek soldiers.

with nearly 7,000 Greek soldiers. They block the east side of the

soldiers. They block the east side of the pass, defending the route to

They block the east side of the pass, defending the route to Athens.

pass, defending the route to Athens. In a brilliant strategic move,

Athens. In a brilliant strategic move, they have chosen to fight at

In a brilliant strategic move, they have chosen to fight at Thermopylae because the terrain

they have chosen to fight at Thermopylae because the terrain negates the Persian numerical

Thermopylae because the terrain negates the Persian numerical advantage.

negates the Persian numerical advantage. >> Passes are a marvelous thing.

One might ask, for example, why has Switzerland never been

has Switzerland never been invaded?

invaded? Because of passes.

Because of passes. One man with a rifle can hold a

One man with a rifle can hold a division down if the pass is

division down if the pass is narrow enough.

In the ancient world, you can't fight with any more men than you could hit front-on-front.

fight with any more men than you could hit front-on-front. So if you can narrow that front-

could hit front-on-front. So if you can narrow that front- on-front to a few hundred men or

So if you can narrow that front- on-front to a few hundred men or a few dozen men, then a number

on-front to a few hundred men or a few dozen men, then a number of hundred men can hold up

a few dozen men, then a number of hundred men can hold up 100,000 men.

of hundred men can hold up 100,000 men. >> As often happened in the

100,000 men. >> As often happened in the ancient world before the battle,

>> As often happened in the ancient world before the battle, Xerxes first tries to negotiate

ancient world before the battle, Xerxes first tries to negotiate with Leonidas.

Xerxes first tries to negotiate with Leonidas. He sends a message saying,

with Leonidas. He sends a message saying, "You're grossly outnumbered and

He sends a message saying, "You're grossly outnumbered and you're facing the best army in

"You're grossly outnumbered and you're facing the best army in the world.

you're facing the best army in the world. Don't be stupid.

the world. Don't be stupid. Lay down your weapons and you

Don't be stupid. Lay down your weapons and you will live.

Lay down your weapons and you will live. Otherwise, you are all going to

will live. Otherwise, you are all going to die."

Otherwise, you are all going to die." And of course, Leonidas doesn't

die." And of course, Leonidas doesn't take too kindly to that.

Then comes the most famous line right out of Herodotus.

right out of Herodotus. The messenger says, "Be prepared

The messenger says, "Be prepared to die.

to die. Our arrows will block out the

Our arrows will block out the sun."

sun." To which Dieneces, Leonidas'

To which Dieneces, Leonidas' lieutenant replies...

>> Then we shall have our battle in the shade. >> And that right there pretty

in the shade. >> And that right there pretty much sums up what this battle

>> And that right there pretty much sums up what this battle was going to be about.

much sums up what this battle was going to be about. The Spartans were the finest,

was going to be about. The Spartans were the finest, toughest soldiers in Greece.

>> The 300 Spartans who were sent to Thermopylae were the

sent to Thermopylae were the Delta Force of the ancient

Delta Force of the ancient world.

world. Their job was to hold that pass

Their job was to hold that pass or to die trying.

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas and his warriors assume their standard fighting formation, the phalanx.

warriors assume their standard fighting formation, the phalanx. >> The Spartans fought in

fighting formation, the phalanx. >> The Spartans fought in platoons of eight men across,

>> The Spartans fought in platoons of eight men across, four men deep, shoulder to

platoons of eight men across, four men deep, shoulder to shoulder, with one person kind

four men deep, shoulder to shoulder, with one person kind of peeking underneath the other

shoulder, with one person kind of peeking underneath the other fellow to his right's shield.

of peeking underneath the other fellow to his right's shield. So you have a shield wall in

fellow to his right's shield. So you have a shield wall in front.

>> It's going to be essentially a wall of bronze and wood and

a wall of bronze and wood and muscle, standing there, sort of

muscle, standing there, sort of gleaming in the sunlight.

gleaming in the sunlight. >> NARRATOR: All Greek soldiers

>> NARRATOR: All Greek soldiers are heavy infantry called

are heavy infantry called hoplites, named for the large

hoplites, named for the large round shield they carry,

round shield they carry, referred to as the hoplon.

referred to as the hoplon. Made from a concave piece of

Made from a concave piece of wood and covered with a thin

wood and covered with a thin sheet of bronze, the shield is

sheet of bronze, the shield is about three feet in diameter and

about three feet in diameter and weighs up to 20 pounds.

weighs up to 20 pounds. >> The hand grip of this shield

>> The hand grip of this shield came in about the sixth century

came in about the sixth century BC, and it was called the

BC, and it was called the Argive grip, and it

Argive grip, and it revolutionized warfare.

revolutionized warfare. >> NARRATOR: Older shields were

>> NARRATOR: Older shields were gripped by a single handle in

gripped by a single handle in the middle.

the middle. On the argive shield, the

On the argive shield, the soldier passed his arm through a

soldier passed his arm through a leather loop in the middle and

leather loop in the middle and held on to a handle near the

held on to a handle near the rim, giving him more leverage.

>> So you grab the end of the shield and the center of the arm held it.

shield and the center of the arm held it. Now if you think about what you

held it. Now if you think about what you can do with that shield, much

Now if you think about what you can do with that shield, much more force can be applied.

can do with that shield, much more force can be applied. >> NARRATOR: The Spartans were

more force can be applied. >> NARRATOR: The Spartans were known for painting personal

>> NARRATOR: The Spartans were known for painting personal images on their shields' face.

>> There's the story of the Spartan who had a fly-- a life-

Spartan who had a fly-- a life- sized fly-- on his shield.

sized fly-- on his shield. And when his friends asked them

And when his friends asked them why, he said because he would

why, he said because he would get so close to the enemy that

get so close to the enemy that that fly would look like a lion.

>> NARRATOR: King Xerxes fulfills his promise to block out the sun.

fulfills his promise to block out the sun. He orders nearly 5,000 archers

out the sun. He orders nearly 5,000 archers to launch their missiles.

Xerxes' archers are tribesmen from all corners of his empire.

from all corners of his empire. They likely supply their own

They likely supply their own bows, which tend to be made of

bows, which tend to be made of date palm wood, a cheaper

date palm wood, a cheaper material that diminishes its

material that diminishes its firing power.

And from over a football field away, the arrows raining down on the Greeks have trouble

away, the arrows raining down on the Greeks have trouble penetrating the hoplites' heavy

the Greeks have trouble penetrating the hoplites' heavy armor.

>> The arrows are bouncing off shields, bouncing off helmets, doing almost no damage largely

shields, bouncing off helmets, doing almost no damage largely because unless you took one in

doing almost no damage largely because unless you took one in the eye, there was almost no

because unless you took one in the eye, there was almost no place where an arrow could

the eye, there was almost no place where an arrow could penetrate.

>> NARRATOR: In addition to his shield, the hoplite's Corinthian

shield, the hoplite's Corinthian helmet helps keep him protected

helmet helps keep him protected from the Persian arrows.

from the Persian arrows. The helmet originated in Greece

The helmet originated in Greece around the seventh century BC.

around the seventh century BC. Made from a single piece of

Made from a single piece of bronze, the helmet offered

bronze, the helmet offered maximum head protection for the

maximum head protection for the hoplite.

But these helmets were heavy, weighing about ten pounds, and

weighing about ten pounds, and restricted the soldier's hearing and vision.

restricted the soldier's hearing and vision. While most helmets are adorned

and vision. While most helmets are adorned with a horsehair crest running

While most helmets are adorned with a horsehair crest running down the center, Spartan

with a horsehair crest running down the center, Spartan officers like Leonidas would

down the center, Spartan officers like Leonidas would have worn a helmet with the

officers like Leonidas would have worn a helmet with the crest running side to side.

have worn a helmet with the crest running side to side. Some historians believe that the

crest running side to side. Some historians believe that the Spartans most likely wore a

Some historians believe that the Spartans most likely wore a bronze cuirass for torso

Spartans most likely wore a bronze cuirass for torso protection.

bronze cuirass for torso protection. Most hoplites at the time

protection. Most hoplites at the time however wore sophisticated

Most hoplites at the time however wore sophisticated lamellar armor.

Its strength comes from its

layered design. Made by gluing strips of heavy

Made by gluing strips of heavy linen, leather, and thin bronze

linen, leather, and thin bronze together, the lamellar armor

together, the lamellar armor forms a type of ancient kevlar.

>> Believe it or not, multiple strips of leather and linen could withstand a spear thrust.

strips of leather and linen could withstand a spear thrust. It wouldn't penetrate, a spear

could withstand a spear thrust. It wouldn't penetrate, a spear or arrow thrust.

It wouldn't penetrate, a spear or arrow thrust. >> NARRATOR: Abandoning the

or arrow thrust. >> NARRATOR: Abandoning the missile attack, 10,000 Persian

>> NARRATOR: Abandoning the missile attack, 10,000 Persian light infantrymen charge at the

missile attack, 10,000 Persian light infantrymen charge at the Greeks.

light infantrymen charge at the Greeks. Over a million pounds of muscle,

Greeks. Over a million pounds of muscle, bronze, and wood are about to

Over a million pounds of muscle, bronze, and wood are about to collide in the Thermopylae Pass.

>> Inevitably, this mass crashes into the Greek phalanx, and it just doesn't move.

into the Greek phalanx, and it just doesn't move. I mean, it's just too heavy.

just doesn't move. I mean, it's just too heavy. It's too thick.

I mean, it's just too heavy. It's too thick. The pressure from the back is

It's too thick. The pressure from the back is holding it forward.

The pressure from the back is holding it forward. >> NARRATOR: The Greeks stop the

holding it forward. >> NARRATOR: The Greeks stop the crushing charge.

>> NARRATOR: The Greeks stop the crushing charge. Now they go on the offensive.

Fighting in their disciplined phalanx, the front two lines launch a coordinated spear

phalanx, the front two lines launch a coordinated spear attack from above and below the

launch a coordinated spear attack from above and below the shield wall.

The hoplite's primary weapon is the dory, a six to nine-foot

the dory, a six to nine-foot long spear.

long spear. About two inches in diameter,

About two inches in diameter, the two to four-pound dory

the two to four-pound dory features a deadly iron

features a deadly iron spearhead.

spearhead. On the back of the spear is an

On the back of the spear is an iron butt-plate, which provides

iron butt-plate, which provides balance and gives the hoplite a

balance and gives the hoplite a second weapon with which to

second weapon with which to kill.

>> In the first clash, spears come down and the spears come up from underneath, and the cries

come down and the spears come up from underneath, and the cries and the blood is everywhere.

from underneath, and the cries and the blood is everywhere. It probably killed 1,000 men,

and the blood is everywhere. It probably killed 1,000 men, and most of the wounds would

It probably killed 1,000 men, and most of the wounds would have been fatal.

and most of the wounds would have been fatal. They had been delivered to the

have been fatal. They had been delivered to the chest or the face.

>> NARRATOR: The hoplite's secondary weapon is the xiphos,

secondary weapon is the xiphos, a two to three-foot long double

a two to three-foot long double edged iron straight sword made

edged iron straight sword made specifically to thrust and hack

specifically to thrust and hack at the enemy.

But the Greeks would only use this if they lost their spear or if the phalanx broke rank,

this if they lost their spear or if the phalanx broke rank, which did not happen often.

or if the phalanx broke rank, which did not happen often. The fighting rages on and off

which did not happen often. The fighting rages on and off for most of the day.

The fighting rages on and off for most of the day. >> What mostly happens, what we

for most of the day. >> What mostly happens, what we call battle pulses, the two

>> What mostly happens, what we call battle pulses, the two sides would hack at one another

call battle pulses, the two sides would hack at one another and bang at one another for a

sides would hack at one another and bang at one another for a few, maybe sometimes only a few

and bang at one another for a few, maybe sometimes only a few seconds, ten, 20 seconds.

few, maybe sometimes only a few seconds, ten, 20 seconds. Then they'd break off again.

seconds, ten, 20 seconds. Then they'd break off again. Maybe the other side would drop

Then they'd break off again. Maybe the other side would drop back a little bit and these guys

Maybe the other side would drop back a little bit and these guys would move forward again.

back a little bit and these guys would move forward again. So it was not a continuous

would move forward again. So it was not a continuous battlefield experience.

So it was not a continuous battlefield experience. It was not a continuous combat.

battlefield experience. It was not a continuous combat. It can't work that way.

It was not a continuous combat. It can't work that way. >> NARRATOR: The Persians are

It can't work that way. >> NARRATOR: The Persians are easy targets.

>> NARRATOR: The Persians are easy targets. They wear little or no armor and

easy targets. They wear little or no armor and carry flimsy wooden shields.

They wear little or no armor and carry flimsy wooden shields. >> The Persian light infantry

carry flimsy wooden shields. >> The Persian light infantry are not designed for this kind

>> The Persian light infantry are not designed for this kind of battle.

are not designed for this kind of battle. They are built for speed to

of battle. They are built for speed to attack disorganized tribal

They are built for speed to attack disorganized tribal armies on the open plains of

attack disorganized tribal armies on the open plains of Asia.

armies on the open plains of Asia. >> NARRATOR: Stuck in the narrow

Asia. >> NARRATOR: Stuck in the narrow pass, the Persians are unable to

>> NARRATOR: Stuck in the narrow pass, the Persians are unable to maneuver.

pass, the Persians are unable to maneuver. They also cannot utilize their

maneuver. They also cannot utilize their cavalry.

They also cannot utilize their cavalry. The steepness of Mt. Callidromus

cavalry. The steepness of Mt. Callidromus on one side and the Aegean Sea

The steepness of Mt. Callidromus on one side and the Aegean Sea on the other prevent a Persian

on one side and the Aegean Sea on the other prevent a Persian cavalry flanking maneuver.

on the other prevent a Persian cavalry flanking maneuver. >> If you look at the two Greek

cavalry flanking maneuver. >> If you look at the two Greek battles that we study most

>> If you look at the two Greek battles that we study most often, which is Marathon and

battles that we study most often, which is Marathon and Thermopylae, what you will see

often, which is Marathon and Thermopylae, what you will see is the brilliance of Greek

Thermopylae, what you will see is the brilliance of Greek commanders in selecting terrain

is the brilliance of Greek commanders in selecting terrain where the Persians could not

commanders in selecting terrain where the Persians could not bring their cavalry to bear.

where the Persians could not bring their cavalry to bear. At Marathon, they never got it

bring their cavalry to bear. At Marathon, they never got it off the ships, and at... and

At Marathon, they never got it off the ships, and at... and even if they did, it wouldn't

off the ships, and at... and even if they did, it wouldn't make any difference because the

even if they did, it wouldn't make any difference because the Greeks had wedged themselves

make any difference because the Greeks had wedged themselves into a narrow front, and same

Greeks had wedged themselves into a narrow front, and same with Thermopylae.

into a narrow front, and same with Thermopylae. Cavalry would have been totally

with Thermopylae. Cavalry would have been totally useless.

Cavalry would have been totally useless. >> NARRATOR: With each battle

useless. >> NARRATOR: With each battle pulse, more and more Persians

>> NARRATOR: With each battle pulse, more and more Persians are slaughtered.

pulse, more and more Persians are slaughtered. There is no mercy, only death.

are slaughtered. There is no mercy, only death. >> It was just carnage the first

There is no mercy, only death. >> It was just carnage the first day.

>> It was just carnage the first day. The Spartans formed up shoulder

day. The Spartans formed up shoulder to shoulder like a great rock

The Spartans formed up shoulder to shoulder like a great rock and let the waves of the

to shoulder like a great rock and let the waves of the Persians just break on them.

and let the waves of the Persians just break on them. >> The Persians began to get the

Persians just break on them. >> The Persians began to get the message that maybe it wasn't

>> The Persians began to get the message that maybe it wasn't such a great idea to launch

message that maybe it wasn't such a great idea to launch themselves in wave after wave

such a great idea to launch themselves in wave after wave against these guys, each one of

themselves in wave after wave against these guys, each one of whom have the equivalent of our

against these guys, each one of whom have the equivalent of our very best special forces

whom have the equivalent of our very best special forces training.

very best special forces training. >> NARRATOR: At the end of the

training. >> NARRATOR: At the end of the day, the 300 Spartans and their

>> NARRATOR: At the end of the day, the 300 Spartans and their Greek allies kill any remaining

day, the 300 Spartans and their Greek allies kill any remaining Persians.

Greek allies kill any remaining Persians. >> Leonidas understands the

Persians. >> Leonidas understands the tactical situation, and after

>> Leonidas understands the tactical situation, and after the first day of fighting, he

tactical situation, and after the first day of fighting, he says, "I've done exactly what I

the first day of fighting, he says, "I've done exactly what I set out to do.

says, "I've done exactly what I set out to do. I'm holding up one of the

set out to do. I'm holding up one of the largest land armies ever to

I'm holding up one of the largest land armies ever to attack Greece, I've got it

largest land armies ever to attack Greece, I've got it funneled up here, and so far

attack Greece, I've got it funneled up here, and so far they can't do anything to stop

funneled up here, and so far they can't do anything to stop it."

they can't do anything to stop it." >> NARRATOR: But at the same

it." >> NARRATOR: But at the same time the land battle is being

>> NARRATOR: But at the same time the land battle is being fought, the Persians are trying

time the land battle is being fought, the Persians are trying to gain access to the rear of

fought, the Persians are trying to gain access to the rear of the Greek defenses by sea.

to gain access to the rear of the Greek defenses by sea. A great naval battle between the

the Greek defenses by sea. A great naval battle between the Greeks and Persians is bloodying

the Artemesium Strait.

>> NARRATOR: In the Thermopylae Pass, the mighty King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors are

Pass, the mighty King Leonidas and his Spartan warriors are successfully fending off an

and his Spartan warriors are successfully fending off an attack by the Persian light

successfully fending off an attack by the Persian light infantry.

attack by the Persian light infantry. At the same time, off the coast

infantry. At the same time, off the coast of Thermopylae in the Artemesium

At the same time, off the coast of Thermopylae in the Artemesium Strait, a battle between the

of Thermopylae in the Artemesium Strait, a battle between the Persian and Greek navies is

Strait, a battle between the Persian and Greek navies is about to erupt.

>> If you think of Battle of Thermopylae in strategic terms,

Thermopylae in strategic terms, if you have a military mind, the

if you have a military mind, the first question you ask is "Yeah,

first question you ask is "Yeah, the Spartans could hold this

the Spartans could hold this line here, but what about the

line here, but what about the sea?

sea? What about the ocean?

What about the ocean? Why couldn't Xerxes just land

Why couldn't Xerxes just land troops behind them by ships?"

troops behind them by ships?" He had an armada of 1,000

He had an armada of 1,000 warships.

>> NARRATOR: The reason is the Athenian navy. They are based here at

Athenian navy. They are based here at Artemesium, while the Persians

They are based here at Artemesium, while the Persians are based across the strait at

Artemesium, while the Persians are based across the strait at Aphetae.

are based across the strait at Aphetae. The Persian goal is to break

Aphetae. The Persian goal is to break through the Greek line, sail

The Persian goal is to break through the Greek line, sail down the narrow, six-mile wide

through the Greek line, sail down the narrow, six-mile wide Artemesium strait, and land

down the narrow, six-mile wide Artemesium strait, and land troops behind Leonidas and his

Artemesium strait, and land troops behind Leonidas and his Greek warriors, surrounding

troops behind Leonidas and his Greek warriors, surrounding them.

Greek warriors, surrounding them. The man in charge of stopping

them. The man in charge of stopping the Persian fleet is aboard the

The man in charge of stopping the Persian fleet is aboard the Athenian flagship.

the Persian fleet is aboard the Athenian flagship. He is considered by many to be

Athenian flagship. He is considered by many to be the mastermind behind the land

He is considered by many to be the mastermind behind the land and sea defense against the

the mastermind behind the land and sea defense against the Persians and is widely regarded

and sea defense against the Persians and is widely regarded as one of the ancient world's

Persians and is widely regarded as one of the ancient world's most brilliant military

as one of the ancient world's most brilliant military tacticians.

most brilliant military tacticians. He is the Athenian Themistocles.

>> When most people think of the Battle of Thermopylae, they

Battle of Thermopylae, they immediately think of the 300

immediately think of the 300 Spartans, or they think of

Spartans, or they think of Leonidas.

Leonidas. But really, the unsung hero of

But really, the unsung hero of the battle, the man who made it

the battle, the man who made it all happen was Themistocles.

all happen was Themistocles. >> Themistocles, in a way, was

>> Themistocles, in a way, was the Winston Churchill of his

the Winston Churchill of his day.

day. He was a great Athenian

He was a great Athenian politician with great foresight

politician with great foresight for the coming struggle and a

for the coming struggle and a profound military thinker.

If it weren't for him, there would have been no Battle of Thermopylae.

would have been no Battle of Thermopylae. >> NARRATOR: The Persian navy

Thermopylae. >> NARRATOR: The Persian navy attempts to surround the Greek

>> NARRATOR: The Persian navy attempts to surround the Greek fleet.

attempts to surround the Greek fleet. They send 200 of their 1,000

fleet. They send 200 of their 1,000 ships southeast around the

They send 200 of their 1,000 ships southeast around the island of Euboea.

ships southeast around the island of Euboea. >> By sailing around Euboea, the

island of Euboea. >> By sailing around Euboea, the Persian naval commander is going

>> By sailing around Euboea, the Persian naval commander is going to try to avoid wasting his

Persian naval commander is going to try to avoid wasting his energies with a direct assault.

to try to avoid wasting his energies with a direct assault. He figures the Greeks are not

energies with a direct assault. He figures the Greeks are not stupid enough to attack him, so

He figures the Greeks are not stupid enough to attack him, so he'll wait at his base until the

stupid enough to attack him, so he'll wait at his base until the smaller force sails around the

he'll wait at his base until the smaller force sails around the island and surrounds the Greek

smaller force sails around the island and surrounds the Greek fleet.

island and surrounds the Greek fleet. >> NARRATOR: But Themistocles

fleet. >> NARRATOR: But Themistocles makes a bold and daring move

>> NARRATOR: But Themistocles makes a bold and daring move that surprises the Persian

makes a bold and daring move that surprises the Persian commander.

that surprises the Persian commander. Late in the afternoon, the Greek

commander. Late in the afternoon, the Greek fleet sails from their base and

Late in the afternoon, the Greek fleet sails from their base and provokes the Persian fleet,

fleet sails from their base and provokes the Persian fleet, which is nearly six times its

provokes the Persian fleet, which is nearly six times its size.

which is nearly six times its size. >> This surprises the Persian

size. >> This surprises the Persian commander greatly.

>> This surprises the Persian commander greatly. That Themistocles would have the

commander greatly. That Themistocles would have the gall to even attack the mighty

That Themistocles would have the gall to even attack the mighty Persian navy is one thing.

gall to even attack the mighty Persian navy is one thing. But he's also surprised by the

Persian navy is one thing. But he's also surprised by the timing of the attack.

But he's also surprised by the timing of the attack. It's late in the afternoon.

timing of the attack. It's late in the afternoon. >> By starting in the afternoon,

It's late in the afternoon. >> By starting in the afternoon, he knows the battle will be over

>> By starting in the afternoon, he knows the battle will be over soon because they are going to

he knows the battle will be over soon because they are going to run out daylight.

soon because they are going to run out daylight. You can't fight a naval battle

run out daylight. You can't fight a naval battle in the dark.

You can't fight a naval battle in the dark. So Themistocles is trying to

in the dark. So Themistocles is trying to minimize his potential damages

So Themistocles is trying to minimize his potential damages if the battle gets away from him

minimize his potential damages if the battle gets away from him by counting on nightfall to end

if the battle gets away from him by counting on nightfall to end it.

by counting on nightfall to end it. >> NARRATOR: The Persian

it. >> NARRATOR: The Persian commander orders his 800

>> NARRATOR: The Persian commander orders his 800 remaining ships into the strait.

commander orders his 800 remaining ships into the strait. Despite being severely

remaining ships into the strait. Despite being severely outnumbered, Themistocles and

Despite being severely outnumbered, Themistocles and the fleet attempt to sink the

outnumbered, Themistocles and the fleet attempt to sink the Persian ships in a ferocious

the fleet attempt to sink the Persian ships in a ferocious attack.

Persian ships in a ferocious attack. >> The name of the game was to

attack. >> The name of the game was to sink the other guy's ship-- to

>> The name of the game was to sink the other guy's ship-- to ram her in the side or to knock

sink the other guy's ship-- to ram her in the side or to knock all of her oars off and render

ram her in the side or to knock all of her oars off and render her out of commission.

all of her oars off and render her out of commission. The Greeks definitely have an

her out of commission. The Greeks definitely have an uphill battle here.

The Greeks definitely have an uphill battle here. But they do have one major

uphill battle here. But they do have one major advantage-- they have the

But they do have one major advantage-- they have the strategic brilliance of

advantage-- they have the strategic brilliance of Themistocles.

>> NARRATOR: Themistocles is born the son of a merchant. If this had been earlier in

born the son of a merchant. If this had been earlier in Greek history, Themistocles

If this had been earlier in Greek history, Themistocles would have been relegated to a

Greek history, Themistocles would have been relegated to a lower status.

would have been relegated to a lower status. But democracy is about to be

lower status. But democracy is about to be born in Athens, allowing

But democracy is about to be born in Athens, allowing Themistocles to shed his

born in Athens, allowing Themistocles to shed his merchant-class shackles.

Themistocles to shed his merchant-class shackles. Because of its natural harbor,

merchant-class shackles. Because of its natural harbor, Athens develops a strong

Because of its natural harbor, Athens develops a strong seafaring tradition and becomes

Athens develops a strong seafaring tradition and becomes both an economic and naval force

seafaring tradition and becomes both an economic and naval force in the Aegean.

both an economic and naval force in the Aegean. Many Athenian males, including

in the Aegean. Many Athenian males, including Themistocles, become expert

Many Athenian males, including Themistocles, become expert seamen, able to navigate the

Themistocles, become expert seamen, able to navigate the treacherous Greek coasts.

seamen, able to navigate the treacherous Greek coasts. While Themistocles' naval

treacherous Greek coasts. While Themistocles' naval training would no doubt shape

While Themistocles' naval training would no doubt shape his future, it is on land in the

training would no doubt shape his future, it is on land in the Athenian government where he

his future, it is on land in the Athenian government where he might have learned some of his

Athenian government where he might have learned some of his most valuable lessons.

might have learned some of his most valuable lessons. >> What Themistocles learned

most valuable lessons. >> What Themistocles learned growing up in a developing

>> What Themistocles learned growing up in a developing democracy was the art of

growing up in a developing democracy was the art of manipulation and political

democracy was the art of manipulation and political strategies.

manipulation and political strategies. These were not cutthroat

strategies. These were not cutthroat politics like, say, Rome, where

These were not cutthroat politics like, say, Rome, where people were literally killed.

politics like, say, Rome, where people were literally killed. What Themistocles did was use

people were literally killed. What Themistocles did was use his intelligence and guile to

What Themistocles did was use his intelligence and guile to position himself in the

his intelligence and guile to position himself in the government where one day he

position himself in the government where one day he could be extremely influential.

government where one day he could be extremely influential. >> NARRATOR: It is these skills

could be extremely influential. >> NARRATOR: It is these skills that will ultimately help him

>> NARRATOR: It is these skills that will ultimately help him create the Athenian navy, which

that will ultimately help him create the Athenian navy, which he will need to battle the

create the Athenian navy, which he will need to battle the mighty Persians.

he will need to battle the mighty Persians. Around 490 BC, ten years before

mighty Persians. Around 490 BC, ten years before the last stand at Thermopylae,

Around 490 BC, ten years before the last stand at Thermopylae, Athens owns only about 100

the last stand at Thermopylae, Athens owns only about 100 warships.

Athens owns only about 100 warships. Themistocles knows this is only

warships. Themistocles knows this is only a fraction of what the Persians

Themistocles knows this is only a fraction of what the Persians can muster.

a fraction of what the Persians can muster. He knows this because he

can muster. He knows this because he witnessed the Persian force up

He knows this because he witnessed the Persian force up close and personally at

witnessed the Persian force up close and personally at Marathon.

close and personally at Marathon. >> Themistocles was one of the

Marathon. >> Themistocles was one of the generals who had been at the

>> Themistocles was one of the generals who had been at the Battle of Marathon, and there he

generals who had been at the Battle of Marathon, and there he had seen Persian tactics

Battle of Marathon, and there he had seen Persian tactics firsthand.

had seen Persian tactics firsthand. So he's as an experienced

firsthand. So he's as an experienced military man.

So he's as an experienced military man. He took away a different lesson

military man. He took away a different lesson from Marathon than the other

He took away a different lesson from Marathon than the other Greek generals did.

from Marathon than the other Greek generals did. The other Greek generals saw it

Greek generals did. The other Greek generals saw it as a triumph of ground forces

The other Greek generals saw it as a triumph of ground forces over navy.

as a triumph of ground forces over navy. What Themistocles learned at

over navy. What Themistocles learned at Marathon was that you cannot use

What Themistocles learned at Marathon was that you cannot use ground forces on the ground

Marathon was that you cannot use ground forces on the ground unless you have naval support.

ground forces on the ground unless you have naval support. >> NARRATOR: Themistocles knows

unless you have naval support. >> NARRATOR: Themistocles knows that after their humiliating

>> NARRATOR: Themistocles knows that after their humiliating loss at Marathon, the Persians

that after their humiliating loss at Marathon, the Persians would seek revenge and be back

loss at Marathon, the Persians would seek revenge and be back to finish what they had started.

would seek revenge and be back to finish what they had started. And he knows they won't make the

to finish what they had started. And he knows they won't make the same mistake twice.

And he knows they won't make the same mistake twice. He believes the Persians will

same mistake twice. He believes the Persians will come by land and sea and bring

He believes the Persians will come by land and sea and bring many more soldiers and ships.

come by land and sea and bring many more soldiers and ships. >> What Themistocles saw was a

many more soldiers and ships. >> What Themistocles saw was a synergy between naval forces and

>> What Themistocles saw was a synergy between naval forces and ground forces; that is, the navy

synergy between naval forces and ground forces; that is, the navy could only support ground forces

ground forces; that is, the navy could only support ground forces as long as the coast was

could only support ground forces as long as the coast was friendly.

as long as the coast was friendly. The ground forces had to make

friendly. The ground forces had to make the coast friendly.

The ground forces had to make the coast friendly. >> Themistocles knew the

the coast friendly. >> Themistocles knew the Persians could not sustain an

>> Themistocles knew the Persians could not sustain an army in mainland Greece if they

Persians could not sustain an army in mainland Greece if they didn't... weren't able to supply

army in mainland Greece if they didn't... weren't able to supply it by sea.

didn't... weren't able to supply it by sea. So if you had naval power, a

it by sea. So if you had naval power, a significant naval power, made

So if you had naval power, a significant naval power, made yourself the dominant naval

significant naval power, made yourself the dominant naval power in the Aegean, you could

yourself the dominant naval power in the Aegean, you could render the Persians impotent.

power in the Aegean, you could render the Persians impotent. >> Thus, he concluded, the

render the Persians impotent. >> Thus, he concluded, the future for Athens rested not in

>> Thus, he concluded, the future for Athens rested not in increasing the size of her

future for Athens rested not in increasing the size of her ground force, which was fairly

increasing the size of her ground force, which was fairly significant anyway, but in point

ground force, which was fairly significant anyway, but in point of fact to increase her navy.

significant anyway, but in point of fact to increase her navy. >> NARRATOR: The problem

of fact to increase her navy. >> NARRATOR: The problem Themistocles faces is that no

>> NARRATOR: The problem Themistocles faces is that no one believes him.

Themistocles faces is that no one believes him. Both the Athenian generals and

one believes him. Both the Athenian generals and the general public are plagued

Both the Athenian generals and the general public are plagued by an overconfidence in the

the general public are plagued by an overconfidence in the Athenian army and a denial about

by an overconfidence in the Athenian army and a denial about Persia's return.

Athenian army and a denial about Persia's return. >> Themistocles lived every day

Persia's return. >> Themistocles lived every day of his political life as if

>> Themistocles lived every day of his political life as if "We've got to deal with this

of his political life as if "We've got to deal with this now; we've got to deal with this

"We've got to deal with this now; we've got to deal with this now."

now; we've got to deal with this now." There were a couple of

now." There were a couple of strategies that Themistocles

There were a couple of strategies that Themistocles follows that probably saved the

strategies that Themistocles follows that probably saved the Greek world.

follows that probably saved the Greek world. >> NARRATOR: First, he must

Greek world. >> NARRATOR: First, he must convince Athens that they need

>> NARRATOR: First, he must convince Athens that they need to invest in the navy.

convince Athens that they need to invest in the navy. Perhaps more importantly, he

to invest in the navy. Perhaps more importantly, he must find the money with which

Perhaps more importantly, he must find the money with which to do it.

must find the money with which to do it. He gets lucky in 483 BC, three

to do it. He gets lucky in 483 BC, three years before the last stand at

He gets lucky in 483 BC, three years before the last stand at Thermopylae.

years before the last stand at Thermopylae. In the Athenian district of

Thermopylae. In the Athenian district of Laurinium, miners discover a new

In the Athenian district of Laurinium, miners discover a new vein of silver.

Laurinium, miners discover a new vein of silver. After a year, they extract

vein of silver. After a year, they extract nearly two-and-a-half tons of

After a year, they extract nearly two-and-a-half tons of the precious metal from the

nearly two-and-a-half tons of the precious metal from the earth.

the precious metal from the earth. Themistocles wants the money

earth. Themistocles wants the money made from silver to be spent on

Themistocles wants the money made from silver to be spent on his navy.

made from silver to be spent on his navy. The challenge for him is to

his navy. The challenge for him is to convince Athenians that they

The challenge for him is to convince Athenians that they don't need extra money in their

convince Athenians that they don't need extra money in their pockets, but rather extra

don't need extra money in their pockets, but rather extra warships in their harbor.

pockets, but rather extra warships in their harbor. >> Each Athenian citizen was due

warships in their harbor. >> Each Athenian citizen was due to get ten drachma.

>> Each Athenian citizen was due to get ten drachma. That would be about $1,500 or

to get ten drachma. That would be about $1,500 or $1,600 in today's money.

That would be about $1,500 or $1,600 in today's money. That's a lot of money.

$1,600 in today's money. That's a lot of money. >> NARRATOR: Because most

That's a lot of money. >> NARRATOR: Because most Athenians are in denial about a

>> NARRATOR: Because most Athenians are in denial about a second Persian invasion,

Athenians are in denial about a second Persian invasion, Themistocles draws upon his

second Persian invasion, Themistocles draws upon his political savvy to win them

Themistocles draws upon his political savvy to win them over-- he lies to them.

political savvy to win them over-- he lies to them. Themistocles misleads the

over-- he lies to them. Themistocles misleads the Athenians into thinking that a

Themistocles misleads the Athenians into thinking that a small rival island off the coast

Athenians into thinking that a small rival island off the coast of Athens called Aegina poses a

small rival island off the coast of Athens called Aegina poses a threat to the safety of Athenian

of Athens called Aegina poses a threat to the safety of Athenian merchant ships.

threat to the safety of Athenian merchant ships. Finally convinced, Athenians

merchant ships. Finally convinced, Athenians allow Themistocles to invest in

Finally convinced, Athenians allow Themistocles to invest in the navy.

allow Themistocles to invest in the navy. Greek civilization might be

the navy. Greek civilization might be saved by a lie.

Greek civilization might be saved by a lie. >> What historians might call a

saved by a lie. >> What historians might call a lie or an untruth, a politician

>> What historians might call a lie or an untruth, a politician would call a clever misdirection

lie or an untruth, a politician would call a clever misdirection of the populace to achieve a

would call a clever misdirection of the populace to achieve a greater end.

of the populace to achieve a greater end. And that's what Themistocles

greater end. And that's what Themistocles did.

And that's what Themistocles did. He knew that if he told the

did. He knew that if he told the truth that the populace would

He knew that if he told the truth that the populace would never got for it.

truth that the populace would never got for it. So he had a nice little ploy, a

never got for it. So he had a nice little ploy, a story, a little cover story, and

So he had a nice little ploy, a story, a little cover story, and it worked.

story, a little cover story, and it worked. >> NARRATOR: Themistocles gets

it worked. >> NARRATOR: Themistocles gets his ships.

Athenian war ships at the time are called triremes.

The trireme is about 90 feet long by about 18 feet wide. Most of it is likely built of

long by about 18 feet wide. Most of it is likely built of pine, a common Mediterranean

Most of it is likely built of pine, a common Mediterranean tree.

pine, a common Mediterranean tree. >> The best analogy of a trireme

tree. >> The best analogy of a trireme was she was a light boat that

>> The best analogy of a trireme was she was a light boat that was more like a racing scull.

was she was a light boat that was more like a racing scull. It's not a heavy boat.

was more like a racing scull. It's not a heavy boat. And why?

It's not a heavy boat. And why? Because the object was to ram,

And why? Because the object was to ram, and so the lighter it was, the

Because the object was to ram, and so the lighter it was, the faster you could make it go.

and so the lighter it was, the faster you could make it go. >> NARRATOR: Built for speed,

faster you could make it go. >> NARRATOR: Built for speed, the hull of the trireme is open.

>> NARRATOR: Built for speed, the hull of the trireme is open. The deck consists of one or two

the hull of the trireme is open. The deck consists of one or two planks of wood running

The deck consists of one or two planks of wood running lengthwise, upon which the

planks of wood running lengthwise, upon which the ship's commander and a about

lengthwise, upon which the ship's commander and a about four marines would stand.

ship's commander and a about four marines would stand. Despite possessing a small sail,

four marines would stand. Despite possessing a small sail, the trireme is mainly powered by

Despite possessing a small sail, the trireme is mainly powered by between 170 and 220 oarsmen,

the trireme is mainly powered by between 170 and 220 oarsmen, arranged in three banks of oars,

between 170 and 220 oarsmen, arranged in three banks of oars, one above the other.

arranged in three banks of oars, one above the other. The front of the trireme is

one above the other. The front of the trireme is shaped like a rounded prow.

The front of the trireme is shaped like a rounded prow. The prow is probably made of

shaped like a rounded prow. The prow is probably made of heavier cedar, then covered with

The prow is probably made of heavier cedar, then covered with brass or copper, enabling the

heavier cedar, then covered with brass or copper, enabling the ship to ram enemy vessels.

brass or copper, enabling the ship to ram enemy vessels. >> The fastest a trireme has

ship to ram enemy vessels. >> The fastest a trireme has ever been marked-- and we've

>> The fastest a trireme has ever been marked-- and we've reconstructed them-- in a 2,000

ever been marked-- and we've reconstructed them-- in a 2,000 meter run is 15 knots.

reconstructed them-- in a 2,000 meter run is 15 knots. But on balance, that's a fast

meter run is 15 knots. But on balance, that's a fast pulse in order to ram.

But on balance, that's a fast pulse in order to ram. >> NARRATOR: By the time the

pulse in order to ram. >> NARRATOR: By the time the Persians reach Thermopylae and

>> NARRATOR: By the time the Persians reach Thermopylae and Artemesium a year later, the

Persians reach Thermopylae and Artemesium a year later, the Greeks have added over 100

Artemesium a year later, the Greeks have added over 100 additional ships to the fleet.

Greeks have added over 100 additional ships to the fleet. Still, the Persian fleet

additional ships to the fleet. Still, the Persian fleet outnumbers the Greek fleet

Still, the Persian fleet outnumbers the Greek fleet nearly six to one.

outnumbers the Greek fleet nearly six to one. Themistocles is about to

nearly six to one. Themistocles is about to discover whether his efforts to

Themistocles is about to discover whether his efforts to build the Athenian navy have

been in vain.

>> NARRATOR: In the Artemesium Strait, the Athenian commander Themistocles leads nearly 200

Strait, the Athenian commander Themistocles leads nearly 200 Greek warships into battle.

Themistocles leads nearly 200 Greek warships into battle. They attack more than 800

Greek warships into battle. They attack more than 800 Persian warships.

They attack more than 800 Persian warships. >> Themistocles is doing the

Persian warships. >> Themistocles is doing the unexpected.

Late in the afternoon on the first day of the battle, he's

first day of the battle, he's actually attacking the much

actually attacking the much larger Persian fleet.

It's a risky move for. If he allows the Persians to sail through the Artemesium

If he allows the Persians to sail through the Artemesium Strait, Leonidas and the 300

sail through the Artemesium Strait, Leonidas and the 300 Spartans will be surrounded and

Strait, Leonidas and the 300 Spartans will be surrounded and cut to pieces.

Spartans will be surrounded and cut to pieces. >> NARRATOR: Using a flag to

cut to pieces. >> NARRATOR: Using a flag to signal the fleet, Themistocles

>> NARRATOR: Using a flag to signal the fleet, Themistocles has all of the Greek warships

signal the fleet, Themistocles has all of the Greek warships slowly back into a narrower part

has all of the Greek warships slowly back into a narrower part of the strait, forming a circle.

slowly back into a narrower part of the strait, forming a circle. At a second signal, the Greek

of the strait, forming a circle. At a second signal, the Greek fleet rushes from their

At a second signal, the Greek fleet rushes from their formation and attacks the

fleet rushes from their formation and attacks the Persians.

>> Greek naval battles were actually not about people

actually not about people getting off and fighting each

getting off and fighting each other or even hooking up and

other or even hooking up and trying to fight.

trying to fight. They were about maneuvering the

They were about maneuvering the ships in such a way that you can

ships in such a way that you can ram and sink.

>> The most common way was to come alongside at an angle and

come alongside at an angle and smash his oars, because remember, they're not powered by

smash his oars, because remember, they're not powered by sail; they're powered by oars.

remember, they're not powered by sail; they're powered by oars. So if you could smash his oars

sail; they're powered by oars. So if you could smash his oars and what would happen, as one

So if you could smash his oars and what would happen, as one ship came along side the other,

and what would happen, as one ship came along side the other, the attacking ship would pull in

ship came along side the other, the attacking ship would pull in its oars and allow the side of

the attacking ship would pull in its oars and allow the side of the ship to smash in and run

its oars and allow the side of the ship to smash in and run along this way.

the ship to smash in and run along this way. Now she's dead in the water.

along this way. Now she's dead in the water. >> So in these battles what is

Now she's dead in the water. >> So in these battles what is really consequential isn't so

>> So in these battles what is really consequential isn't so much the weight of you ship or

really consequential isn't so much the weight of you ship or the size of your ship, but

much the weight of you ship or the size of your ship, but rather the speed of your ship.

>> NARRATOR: In the confined space at Artemesium, the smaller Greek fleet inflicts damage upon

space at Artemesium, the smaller Greek fleet inflicts damage upon several Persian ships.

Greek fleet inflicts damage upon several Persian ships. They also capture 30 enemy

several Persian ships. They also capture 30 enemy vessels and take many

They also capture 30 enemy vessels and take many prisoners.

vessels and take many prisoners. >> We're not exactly sure why

prisoners. >> We're not exactly sure why the Greeks fared so well that

>> We're not exactly sure why the Greeks fared so well that first day at Artemesium.

the Greeks fared so well that first day at Artemesium. The Greeks and Persians all had

first day at Artemesium. The Greeks and Persians all had the same types of boats.

The Greeks and Persians all had the same types of boats. Everybody had triremes, so

the same types of boats. Everybody had triremes, so nobody would have necessarily

Everybody had triremes, so nobody would have necessarily had a speed advantage.

nobody would have necessarily had a speed advantage. >> NARRATOR: Whatever the

had a speed advantage. >> NARRATOR: Whatever the reason, it is a great

>> NARRATOR: Whatever the reason, it is a great psychological victory for the

reason, it is a great psychological victory for the Greek navy.

psychological victory for the Greek navy. And because Themistocles began

Greek navy. And because Themistocles began his attack late in the day, he

And because Themistocles began his attack late in the day, he knew the battle would not last

his attack late in the day, he knew the battle would not last long, ensuring his potential

knew the battle would not last long, ensuring his potential losses would be minimal.

long, ensuring his potential losses would be minimal. >> This has got to be a complete

losses would be minimal. >> This has got to be a complete surprise to everybody.

>> This has got to be a complete surprise to everybody. The Persians certainly weren't

surprise to everybody. The Persians certainly weren't expecting to lose to the smaller

The Persians certainly weren't expecting to lose to the smaller Greek fleet, and I don't think

expecting to lose to the smaller Greek fleet, and I don't think the Greeks were expecting to

Greek fleet, and I don't think the Greeks were expecting to come out so strong.

the Greeks were expecting to come out so strong. And I think that's one of the

come out so strong. And I think that's one of the reasons why Themistocles started

And I think that's one of the reasons why Themistocles started this thing so late in the day.

reasons why Themistocles started this thing so late in the day. So you've got Themistocles

this thing so late in the day. So you've got Themistocles winning the battle at sea, and

So you've got Themistocles winning the battle at sea, and of course, Leonidas and the

winning the battle at sea, and of course, Leonidas and the Spartans are winning the battle

of course, Leonidas and the Spartans are winning the battle on land.

Spartans are winning the battle on land. >> NARRATOR: On this first day

on land. >> NARRATOR: On this first day of battle, Xerxes has been

>> NARRATOR: On this first day of battle, Xerxes has been shocked and embarrassed by

of battle, Xerxes has been shocked and embarrassed by Themistocles and the Athenian

shocked and embarrassed by Themistocles and the Athenian navy and has lost nearly 10,000

Themistocles and the Athenian navy and has lost nearly 10,000 infantrymen to Leonidas and the

navy and has lost nearly 10,000 infantrymen to Leonidas and the Spartans.

infantrymen to Leonidas and the Spartans. >> After the first day's battle

Spartans. >> After the first day's battle at Thermopylae and Artemesium,

>> After the first day's battle at Thermopylae and Artemesium, the Persians have been very

at Thermopylae and Artemesium, the Persians have been very roughly handled by the Greeks.

They are back in their camp that evening licking their wounds as

evening licking their wounds as Xerxes is wondering what he is

Xerxes is wondering what he is going to do about this.

>> NARRATOR: As night falls, a tremendous storm erupts, and the Persian soldiers are further

tremendous storm erupts, and the Persian soldiers are further harassed by thunder, wind, and

Persian soldiers are further harassed by thunder, wind, and rain.

harassed by thunder, wind, and rain. >> So you have to imagine the

rain. >> So you have to imagine the flashes of lightning

>> So you have to imagine the flashes of lightning illuminating the wrecks on the

flashes of lightning illuminating the wrecks on the sea and the dead bodies.

illuminating the wrecks on the sea and the dead bodies. So very disconsoling night for

sea and the dead bodies. So very disconsoling night for the Persians.

So very disconsoling night for the Persians. They probably weren't getting as

the Persians. They probably weren't getting as good sleep as they had wanted.

They probably weren't getting as good sleep as they had wanted. They were going to need it for

good sleep as they had wanted. They were going to need it for the next day's battle.

They were going to need it for the next day's battle. >> NARRATOR: The Persian fleet

the next day's battle. >> NARRATOR: The Persian fleet that has been sent around the

>> NARRATOR: The Persian fleet that has been sent around the island of Euboea is caught in

that has been sent around the island of Euboea is caught in the storm.

island of Euboea is caught in the storm. The Aegean swallows all 200

the storm. The Aegean swallows all 200 ships.

The Aegean swallows all 200 ships. It is an omen that the Persians

ships. It is an omen that the Persians cannot ignore and one the Greeks

It is an omen that the Persians cannot ignore and one the Greeks happily embrace, for the next

cannot ignore and one the Greeks happily embrace, for the next day will bring more bloodshed.

On the second day of battle, the Athenians and Spartans take their respective defensive

Athenians and Spartans take their respective defensive positions-- Themistocles in the

their respective defensive positions-- Themistocles in the Artemesium Strait; Leonidas and

positions-- Themistocles in the Artemesium Strait; Leonidas and his 300 Spartans in the

Artemesium Strait; Leonidas and his 300 Spartans in the Thermopylae Pass.

his 300 Spartans in the Thermopylae Pass. They both prepare for the second

Thermopylae Pass. They both prepare for the second Persian attack.

They both prepare for the second Persian attack. >> The sun comes up on the

Persian attack. >> The sun comes up on the second day, and Xerxes says,

>> The sun comes up on the second day, and Xerxes says, "Well, enough with the junior

second day, and Xerxes says, "Well, enough with the junior We're sending in the big boys."

"Well, enough with the junior We're sending in the big boys." >> NARRATOR: Xerxes sends in the

We're sending in the big boys." >> NARRATOR: Xerxes sends in the hammer and fist of the Persian

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes sends in the hammer and fist of the Persian army, the silent and masked

hammer and fist of the Persian army, the silent and masked heavy infantry called "The

army, the silent and masked heavy infantry called "The Immortals."

heavy infantry called "The Immortals." >> Xerxes decided to send in the

Immortals." >> Xerxes decided to send in the A team, the Immortals.

He believed that once the

Immortals were put into action, that that would end the

that that would end the resistance immediately.

>> Here come 10,000 men assembled in a rectangle in essence, thump, bump, bump,

assembled in a rectangle in essence, thump, bump, bump, bump, right to you, in silence.

essence, thump, bump, bump, bump, right to you, in silence. No matter what happens, they

bump, right to you, in silence. No matter what happens, they come right at you.

No matter what happens, they come right at you. They wore no helmets, but they

come right at you. They wore no helmets, but they had a... what's called a tiara

They wore no helmets, but they had a... what's called a tiara on their head.

had a... what's called a tiara on their head. The tiara was a wrapped cloth, a

on their head. The tiara was a wrapped cloth, a very thin cloth that they could

The tiara was a wrapped cloth, a very thin cloth that they could see through.

>> 10,000 strong-- they were

called the Immortals because when one man retired or died, he

when one man retired or died, he was immediately replaced by

was immediately replaced by another.

>> NARRATOR: The armies stand some 50 yards apart in the Thermopylae Pass-- the Persians,

some 50 yards apart in the Thermopylae Pass-- the Persians, faceless and mute.

Thermopylae Pass-- the Persians, faceless and mute. But silence is not part of the

faceless and mute. But silence is not part of the Spartan psychological strategy.

Finally, the Persians advance.

Silently, the Immortals slam into the Greek line. As on the previous day, the 300

into the Greek line. As on the previous day, the 300 Spartans and the Greek soldiers

As on the previous day, the 300 Spartans and the Greek soldiers hold fast.

The Immortals' spears cannot penetrate the Greek armor. The Greek spears have no problem

penetrate the Greek armor. The Greek spears have no problem finding their mark.

The Immortals wear thin scale armor beneath their tunics, but

armor beneath their tunics, but these overlapping metal scales

these overlapping metal scales are no thicker than playing

are no thicker than playing cards, powerless against the

cards, powerless against the strength and precision of the

strength and precision of the Spartan dory.

Persian shields are made only of wicker. >> That worked very well if you

wicker. >> That worked very well if you were simply warding off

>> That worked very well if you were simply warding off javelins, dagger thrusts, or if

were simply warding off javelins, dagger thrusts, or if you were warding off arrows, but

javelins, dagger thrusts, or if you were warding off arrows, but a wicker shield compared to the

you were warding off arrows, but a wicker shield compared to the Greeks, of course, which was a

a wicker shield compared to the Greeks, of course, which was a brass or bronze shield, the

Greeks, of course, which was a brass or bronze shield, the spear of the Greek infantry

brass or bronze shield, the spear of the Greek infantry could easily pierce the wicker

spear of the Greek infantry could easily pierce the wicker shield.

could easily pierce the wicker shield. >> So man for man, company for

shield. >> So man for man, company for company, platoon for platoon,

>> So man for man, company for company, platoon for platoon, they were no match for the

company, platoon for platoon, they were no match for the Spartans in close combat.

>> It's fairly clear that they had never fought against a hoplite army that was as well

had never fought against a hoplite army that was as well trained, as well equipped, and

hoplite army that was as well trained, as well equipped, and as tactically flexible as the

trained, as well equipped, and as tactically flexible as the Spartans were.

as tactically flexible as the Spartans were. >> NARRATOR: After two days,

Spartans were. >> NARRATOR: After two days, thousands of Persians have been

>> NARRATOR: After two days, thousands of Persians have been killed.

thousands of Persians have been killed. >> If you imagine an infantry

killed. >> If you imagine an infantry line that's killing in front of

>> If you imagine an infantry line that's killing in front of it with the spears, the dead

line that's killing in front of it with the spears, the dead themselves pile up.

it with the spears, the dead themselves pile up. After every assault, there were

themselves pile up. After every assault, there were dead men, there were men

After every assault, there were dead men, there were men screaming in pain, men bleeding

dead men, there were men screaming in pain, men bleeding all over the landscape, but

screaming in pain, men bleeding all over the landscape, but mostly men who were in the way.

all over the landscape, but mostly men who were in the way. You have to get rid of them

mostly men who were in the way. You have to get rid of them somewhere, so what would happen

You have to get rid of them somewhere, so what would happen during one of the lulls in the

somewhere, so what would happen during one of the lulls in the battle is that squads would go

during one of the lulls in the battle is that squads would go forward and pull the dead out

battle is that squads would go forward and pull the dead out of the way.

forward and pull the dead out of the way. >> NARRATOR: At the end of the

of the way. >> NARRATOR: At the end of the second day, the Persian body

>> NARRATOR: At the end of the second day, the Persian body count is enormous, and the

second day, the Persian body count is enormous, and the ground forces have once again

count is enormous, and the ground forces have once again been stymied.

ground forces have once again been stymied. >> So tactically speaking,

been stymied. >> So tactically speaking, after the first two days

>> So tactically speaking, after the first two days fighting at Thermopylae,

after the first two days fighting at Thermopylae, Leonidas would have considered

fighting at Thermopylae, Leonidas would have considered himself to be in a pretty good

Leonidas would have considered himself to be in a pretty good position.

himself to be in a pretty good position. He had taken everything the

position. He had taken everything the Persians could throw at him, and

He had taken everything the Persians could throw at him, and he had lost only a few men

Persians could throw at him, and he had lost only a few men himself.

he had lost only a few men himself. >> NARRATOR: Meanwhile, off the

himself. >> NARRATOR: Meanwhile, off the coast, Themistocles again leads

>> NARRATOR: Meanwhile, off the coast, Themistocles again leads the Athenian navy against the

coast, Themistocles again leads the Athenian navy against the Persian fleet in the Artemesium

the Athenian navy against the Persian fleet in the Artemesium Strait.

Persian fleet in the Artemesium Strait. The massive storm the night

Strait. The massive storm the night before has destroyed the Persian

The massive storm the night before has destroyed the Persian ships that sailed around Euboea.

before has destroyed the Persian ships that sailed around Euboea. With no Persian ships bearing

ships that sailed around Euboea. With no Persian ships bearing down behind him, Themistocles

With no Persian ships bearing down behind him, Themistocles can concentrate his force to the

down behind him, Themistocles can concentrate his force to the front.

can concentrate his force to the front. But he is still outnumbered five

front. But he is still outnumbered five to one.

But he is still outnumbered five to one. While exact details of the

to one. While exact details of the battle are unknown, the Greek

While exact details of the battle are unknown, the Greek triremes again are able to

battle are unknown, the Greek triremes again are able to destroy many of the Persian

triremes again are able to destroy many of the Persian warships.

destroy many of the Persian warships. >> So by the end of the second

warships. >> So by the end of the second day at sea, a similar scenario

>> So by the end of the second day at sea, a similar scenario was working out.

day at sea, a similar scenario was working out. The Persians had again tried to

was working out. The Persians had again tried to throw themselves at Themistocles

The Persians had again tried to throw themselves at Themistocles at sea, and they hadn't done any

throw themselves at Themistocles at sea, and they hadn't done any better the second day.

at sea, and they hadn't done any better the second day. So the front was holding; the

better the second day. So the front was holding; the Greek front was holding at sea

So the front was holding; the Greek front was holding at sea and on land.

Greek front was holding at sea and on land. >> NARRATOR: It is another

and on land. >> NARRATOR: It is another psychological victory for the

>> NARRATOR: It is another psychological victory for the Greeks.

psychological victory for the Greeks. Xerxes grows frustrated.

Greeks. Xerxes grows frustrated. But the solution will soon

Xerxes grows frustrated. But the solution will soon become clear to the Persian

But the solution will soon become clear to the Persian king, and it will lead to one of

become clear to the Persian king, and it will lead to one of the most famous and heroic last

stands in history.

>> NARRATOR: 7,000 Greek soldiers led by the Spartan king Leonidas and his elite group of

soldiers led by the Spartan king Leonidas and his elite group of 300 Spartan warriors block the

Leonidas and his elite group of 300 Spartan warriors block the narrow Thermopylae Pass in

300 Spartan warriors block the narrow Thermopylae Pass in northeastern Greece.

narrow Thermopylae Pass in northeastern Greece. They are here to prevent the

northeastern Greece. They are here to prevent the Persian army, the largest land

They are here to prevent the Persian army, the largest land force ever assembled, from

Persian army, the largest land force ever assembled, from destroying the Greek city-state

force ever assembled, from destroying the Greek city-state of Athens.

destroying the Greek city-state of Athens. >> You're stuck with the cork in

of Athens. >> You're stuck with the cork in the bottle, and you got to get

>> You're stuck with the cork in the bottle, and you got to get the cork out of the bottle.

What had happened till now, they

tried a light infantry attack and suffered badly.

and suffered badly. And so they crossed with their

And so they crossed with their best troops, which is the heavy

best troops, which is the heavy infantry, and suffered just as

infantry, and suffered just as badly.

So now what to do? Things are getting a little dicey, the army is being held

Things are getting a little dicey, the army is being held up.

dicey, the army is being held up. It has to eat every day.

up. It has to eat every day. It's consuming supplies.

It has to eat every day. It's consuming supplies. It's getting nowhere.

It's consuming supplies. It's getting nowhere. The answer is to find a way

It's getting nowhere. The answer is to find a way around the Spartan position.

The answer is to find a way around the Spartan position. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes discovers

around the Spartan position. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes discovers the answer.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes discovers the answer. A small trail leads from the

the answer. A small trail leads from the Persian camp around Mt.

A small trail leads from the Persian camp around Mt. Callidromus and continues behind

Persian camp around Mt. Callidromus and continues behind the Greek line.

Callidromus and continues behind the Greek line. Historians are unsure as to when

the Greek line. Historians are unsure as to when Xerxes had become aware of the

Historians are unsure as to when Xerxes had become aware of the pass.

Xerxes had become aware of the pass. Some believe that a Greek spy

pass. Some believe that a Greek spy had informed him after the

Some believe that a Greek spy had informed him after the second day of battle.

had informed him after the second day of battle. Seeing that he cannot penetrate

second day of battle. Seeing that he cannot penetrate the stiff Greek defense, and

Seeing that he cannot penetrate the stiff Greek defense, and knowing his food supply is

the stiff Greek defense, and knowing his food supply is running short, Xerxes decides to

knowing his food supply is running short, Xerxes decides to use the pass.

running short, Xerxes decides to use the pass. >> What he did is at the

use the pass. >> What he did is at the nightfall of the second day,

>> What he did is at the nightfall of the second day, after the heavy infantry attack

nightfall of the second day, after the heavy infantry attack had failed in the center, began

after the heavy infantry attack had failed in the center, began under the cover of darkness to

had failed in the center, began under the cover of darkness to move 10,000 men up that road and

under the cover of darkness to move 10,000 men up that road and to flank the Spartan position.

move 10,000 men up that road and to flank the Spartan position. >> NARRATOR: But this pass was

to flank the Spartan position. >> NARRATOR: But this pass was not unknown to Leonidas.

>> NARRATOR: But this pass was not unknown to Leonidas. Before the first day of the

not unknown to Leonidas. Before the first day of the attack, Leonidas had stationed

Before the first day of the attack, Leonidas had stationed 1,000 men at the top of the

attack, Leonidas had stationed 1,000 men at the top of the pass.

1,000 men at the top of the pass. This force was made up of a

pass. This force was made up of a people called the Phocians.

This force was made up of a people called the Phocians. But as the Persians approach the

people called the Phocians. But as the Persians approach the Phocian line, the defending

But as the Persians approach the Phocian line, the defending force is missing.

Phocian line, the defending force is missing. >> There is an intersection at

force is missing. >> There is an intersection at the top of that ridge that leads

>> There is an intersection at the top of that ridge that leads down to Phocia, and for some

the top of that ridge that leads down to Phocia, and for some reason the Phocian troops think

down to Phocia, and for some reason the Phocian troops think the attack is going to be on

reason the Phocian troops think the attack is going to be on their homeland, and they

the attack is going to be on their homeland, and they withdraw.

their homeland, and they withdraw. >> NARRATOR: Fearing their

withdraw. >> NARRATOR: Fearing their homeland will be attacked, the

>> NARRATOR: Fearing their homeland will be attacked, the Phocians retreat to defend their

homeland will be attacked, the Phocians retreat to defend their families.

Phocians retreat to defend their families. The Persians now have an

families. The Persians now have an unhindered path to destruction.

The Persians now have an unhindered path to destruction. >> At this point Leonidas is

unhindered path to destruction. >> At this point Leonidas is doomed.

>> At this point Leonidas is doomed. Above and beyond him are 10,000

doomed. Above and beyond him are 10,000 infantry men who can come

Above and beyond him are 10,000 infantry men who can come scrambling down the hill at any

infantry men who can come scrambling down the hill at any given time.

scrambling down the hill at any given time. >> NARRATOR: In the middle of

given time. >> NARRATOR: In the middle of the night, Greek scouts deliver

>> NARRATOR: In the middle of the night, Greek scouts deliver the news to Leonidas that the

the night, Greek scouts deliver the news to Leonidas that the Phocians have deserted.

the news to Leonidas that the Phocians have deserted. Knowing that he has been

Phocians have deserted. Knowing that he has been outflanked, Leonidas orders the

Knowing that he has been outflanked, Leonidas orders the retreat of the Greek infantry.

outflanked, Leonidas orders the retreat of the Greek infantry. >> You can't just order 4,000

retreat of the Greek infantry. >> You can't just order 4,000 people to turn around and leave.

>> You can't just order 4,000 people to turn around and leave. There are a lot of reasons for

people to turn around and leave. There are a lot of reasons for that.

There are a lot of reasons for that. One, the enemy knows immediately

that. One, the enemy knows immediately what you're doing.

One, the enemy knows immediately what you're doing. He's going to attack you from

what you're doing. He's going to attack you from the front.

He's going to attack you from the front. You can't wait until you're

the front. You can't wait until you're completely enclosed in the back.

You can't wait until you're completely enclosed in the back. What do you have to do?

completely enclosed in the back. What do you have to do? You've got to get relatively

What do you have to do? You've got to get relatively small units out in a phased

You've got to get relatively small units out in a phased withdrawal, hopefully quietly,

small units out in a phased withdrawal, hopefully quietly, so the enemy doesn't know

withdrawal, hopefully quietly, so the enemy doesn't know essentially that the front has

so the enemy doesn't know essentially that the front has been thinned.

essentially that the front has been thinned. Otherwise, he'll attack you.

been thinned. Otherwise, he'll attack you. >> NARRATOR: By dawn, all of the

Otherwise, he'll attack you. >> NARRATOR: By dawn, all of the Greek troops have retreated--

>> NARRATOR: By dawn, all of the Greek troops have retreated-- all except Leonidas, the 300

Greek troops have retreated-- all except Leonidas, the 300 Spartans, and about 1,000

all except Leonidas, the 300 Spartans, and about 1,000 soldiers from the Greek city-

Spartans, and about 1,000 soldiers from the Greek city- state of Thespia.

>> Very few people know this bit of information about the battle,

of information about the battle, but around 1,000 Thespians--

but around 1,000 Thespians-- soldiers from the city-state of

soldiers from the city-state of Thespia-- stayed behind with

Thespia-- stayed behind with Leonidas.

They could've left, but they decided to stay and fight with the Spartans until the end.

decided to stay and fight with the Spartans until the end. The reason this gets lost is

the Spartans until the end. The reason this gets lost is that the Battle of Thermopylae

The reason this gets lost is that the Battle of Thermopylae has been mythologized throughout

that the Battle of Thermopylae has been mythologized throughout history-- and in movies today--

has been mythologized throughout history-- and in movies today-- in such a way that only 300

history-- and in movies today-- in such a way that only 300 Spartans took on millions of

in such a way that only 300 Spartans took on millions of Persians.

Spartans took on millions of Persians. But it's not so.

Persians. But it's not so. >> NARRATOR: Still, this force

But it's not so. >> NARRATOR: Still, this force of just over 1,000 is surrounded

>> NARRATOR: Still, this force of just over 1,000 is surrounded by tens of thousands of

of just over 1,000 is surrounded by tens of thousands of Persians.

by tens of thousands of Persians. Leonidas and his men are about

Persians. Leonidas and his men are about to make their last stand.

>> There was a great moment when the Spartans were going forward

the Spartans were going forward to the front lines to die, and

to the front lines to die, and their allies were going back to

their allies were going back to live.

And that, to me, in many ways, is the most emotional moment of the fight.

is the most emotional moment of the fight. >> So the question is why did

the fight. >> So the question is why did he do this?

>> So the question is why did he do this? Why did he do this?

he do this? Why did he do this? Why didn't Leonidas pull his

Why did he do this? Why didn't Leonidas pull his troops out and go with them?

Why didn't Leonidas pull his troops out and go with them? And I think there are a couple

troops out and go with them? And I think there are a couple of answers to that.

And I think there are a couple of answers to that. You know, some people will say

of answers to that. You know, some people will say he was fulfilling the prophesy

You know, some people will say he was fulfilling the prophesy of the oracle.

he was fulfilling the prophesy of the oracle. >> Either your glorious city

of the oracle. >> Either your glorious city will be taken by the sons of

>> Either your glorious city will be taken by the sons of Persia or all Sparta must mourn

will be taken by the sons of Persia or all Sparta must mourn for the loss of a king.

Persia or all Sparta must mourn for the loss of a king. >> The sacrifice in his mind is

for the loss of a king. >> The sacrifice in his mind is about saving Sparta, and that's

>> The sacrifice in his mind is about saving Sparta, and that's why he stays, and that's why he

about saving Sparta, and that's why he stays, and that's why he engages in a quixotic battle

why he stays, and that's why he engages in a quixotic battle that he knows he's destined to

engages in a quixotic battle that he knows he's destined to lose.

that he knows he's destined to lose. It's not because he wants to be

lose. It's not because he wants to be a martyr.

It's not because he wants to be a martyr. It's not because, as a Spartan

a martyr. It's not because, as a Spartan soldier, he's been trained he

It's not because, as a Spartan soldier, he's been trained he must stand and die.

soldier, he's been trained he must stand and die. Quite the opposite.

must stand and die. Quite the opposite. As a Spartan soldier, he's been

Quite the opposite. As a Spartan soldier, he's been trained to sneak, to steal, to

As a Spartan soldier, he's been trained to sneak, to steal, to evade.

trained to sneak, to steal, to evade. But as a Spartan, he believes in

evade. But as a Spartan, he believes in the oracles.

But as a Spartan, he believes in the oracles. As a Spartan, he believes in the

the oracles. As a Spartan, he believes in the religion.

As a Spartan, he believes in the religion. As a Spartan, it's his duty to

religion. As a Spartan, it's his duty to stay and die for his state.

As a Spartan, it's his duty to stay and die for his state. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas' faith

stay and die for his state. >> NARRATOR: Leonidas' faith might have kept him in the

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas' faith might have kept him in the Thermopylae Pass.

might have kept him in the Thermopylae Pass. But if looked upon from a

Thermopylae Pass. But if looked upon from a military perspective, he might

But if looked upon from a military perspective, he might have been there as a covering

military perspective, he might have been there as a covering force during a tactical retreat.

have been there as a covering force during a tactical retreat. >> Every day he can delay these

force during a tactical retreat. >> Every day he can delay these guys, every minute he can delay

>> Every day he can delay these guys, every minute he can delay these guys, give the Greeks

guys, every minute he can delay these guys, give the Greeks behind him opportunity to

these guys, give the Greeks behind him opportunity to assemble the army and get new

behind him opportunity to assemble the army and get new defensive positions.

assemble the army and get new defensive positions. The guys who pulled out of the

defensive positions. The guys who pulled out of the pass still have a distance to go

The guys who pulled out of the pass still have a distance to go before they can link up with the

pass still have a distance to go before they can link up with the other armies.

before they can link up with the other armies. And so, essentially, he decides

other armies. And so, essentially, he decides to stand to the last man to buy

And so, essentially, he decides to stand to the last man to buy the extra day or two.

to stand to the last man to buy the extra day or two. In short, he turns himself and

the extra day or two. In short, he turns himself and his bodyguard into a covering

In short, he turns himself and his bodyguard into a covering force for a strategic or

his bodyguard into a covering force for a strategic or tactical withdrawal.

force for a strategic or tactical withdrawal. >> NARRATOR: Historians will

tactical withdrawal. >> NARRATOR: Historians will never know why Leonidas decides

>> NARRATOR: Historians will never know why Leonidas decides to stay behind.

never know why Leonidas decides to stay behind. But the last stand of these 300

men will be remembered forever.

>> NARRATOR: After two days of failing to penetrate the Greek defenses at Thermopylae, the

failing to penetrate the Greek defenses at Thermopylae, the Persians have discovered a way

defenses at Thermopylae, the Persians have discovered a way to surround the pass.

Persians have discovered a way to surround the pass. The Spartan king Leonidas has

to surround the pass. The Spartan king Leonidas has ordered a tactical retreat of

The Spartan king Leonidas has ordered a tactical retreat of most of his fighting force.

ordered a tactical retreat of most of his fighting force. While only about 1,000 Greek

most of his fighting force. While only about 1,000 Greek troops remain, including 300

While only about 1,000 Greek troops remain, including 300 Spartans, Leonidas is trapped by

troops remain, including 300 Spartans, Leonidas is trapped by tens of thousands of Persian

Spartans, Leonidas is trapped by tens of thousands of Persian soldiers.

>> Leonidas is making his last stand at the Thermopylae Pass.

stand at the Thermopylae Pass. And for two days, he has

And for two days, he has successfully repelled the

successfully repelled the Persian advances, but now the

Persian advances, but now the Persians have him trapped.

They've finally figured out how to outflank him and they've got him exactly where they want him.

to outflank him and they've got him exactly where they want him. >> NARRATOR: Despite this

him exactly where they want him. >> NARRATOR: Despite this knowledge, the Spartans calmly

>> NARRATOR: Despite this knowledge, the Spartans calmly prepare for battle.

knowledge, the Spartans calmly prepare for battle. A Persian scout watches.

>> The Persian scout saw the

Spartans exercising in the nude and pouring oil on themselves

and pouring oil on themselves afterward and cleaning

afterward and cleaning themselves and arranging their

themselves and arranging their hair-- their long hair-- and

hair-- their long hair-- and combing it out.

combing it out. >> The Persians look at that and

>> The Persians look at that and don't understand.

don't understand. They look at that, and they see

They look at that, and they see vanity, or they look at that and

vanity, or they look at that and they see bathroom behavior.

They don't know that the Spartans are preparing their bodies for death.

Spartans are preparing their bodies for death. >> NARRATOR: Cleaned and

bodies for death. >> NARRATOR: Cleaned and prepared for battle, the

>> NARRATOR: Cleaned and prepared for battle, the Spartans take the field one last

prepared for battle, the Spartans take the field one last time.

Spartans take the field one last time. >> These were professional

time. >> These were professional warriors.

>> These were professional warriors. This is how they defined

warriors. This is how they defined themselves.

This is how they defined themselves. This is how their status in the

themselves. This is how their status in the society was defined.

This is how their status in the society was defined. My guess is they would have

society was defined. My guess is they would have welcomed the battle in the same

My guess is they would have welcomed the battle in the same way that Custer probably

welcomed the battle in the same way that Custer probably welcomed the battle-- you know,

way that Custer probably welcomed the battle-- you know, that is to say, "We're

welcomed the battle-- you know, that is to say, "We're outnumbered, but we're better

that is to say, "We're outnumbered, but we're better guys."

outnumbered, but we're better guys." They would probably welcome the

guys." They would probably welcome the battle from the psychological

They would probably welcome the battle from the psychological and social perspective.

battle from the psychological and social perspective. >> NARRATOR: Herodotus describes

and social perspective. >> NARRATOR: Herodotus describes the final battle.

>> NARRATOR: Herodotus describes the final battle. >> "On the one side, the

the final battle. >> "On the one side, the barbarians around Xerxes were

>> "On the one side, the barbarians around Xerxes were marching forward.

barbarians around Xerxes were marching forward. On the other, the Greeks around

marching forward. On the other, the Greeks around Leonidas, perceiving that they

On the other, the Greeks around Leonidas, perceiving that they were about to exit the stage

Leonidas, perceiving that they were about to exit the stage and die, advanced much further

were about to exit the stage and die, advanced much further than they had before into the

and die, advanced much further than they had before into the wider part of the pass.

Indeed, knowing that death was coming for them with those who were moving around the

coming for them with those who were moving around the mountain, they showed against

were moving around the mountain, they showed against the barbarians all the strength

mountain, they showed against the barbarians all the strength they possessed and fought like

the barbarians all the strength they possessed and fought like madmen devoid of care for

they possessed and fought like madmen devoid of care for anything but the moment."

madmen devoid of care for anything but the moment." >> We can't be certain what

anything but the moment." >> We can't be certain what happened during the battle, but

>> We can't be certain what happened during the battle, but I'm sure after the Persians had

happened during the battle, but I'm sure after the Persians had attacked from both front and

I'm sure after the Persians had attacked from both front and back, the Greeks broke rank and

attacked from both front and back, the Greeks broke rank and the phalanx fell apart.

Because the phalanx was the basis of the Greek defense, once it shattered, the Spartans were

basis of the Greek defense, once it shattered, the Spartans were not nearly as strong as they had

it shattered, the Spartans were not nearly as strong as they had been over the last two days.

not nearly as strong as they had been over the last two days. >> The battlefield would have

been over the last two days. >> The battlefield would have become chaotic at this point,

>> The battlefield would have become chaotic at this point, and it was pretty much every man

become chaotic at this point, and it was pretty much every man for himself.

and it was pretty much every man for himself. Many would likely have turned to

for himself. Many would likely have turned to their swords in such close

Many would likely have turned to their swords in such close quarters.

their swords in such close quarters. Herodotus tells us that all of

quarters. Herodotus tells us that all of the Greeks' spears were broken

Herodotus tells us that all of the Greeks' spears were broken and that they were fighting with

the Greeks' spears were broken and that they were fighting with anything they could.

Herodotus mentions the bravery and valor of a few of the Spartans by name.

and valor of a few of the Spartans by name. In addition to Leonidas there

Spartans by name. In addition to Leonidas there was his lieutenant Dieneces who

In addition to Leonidas there was his lieutenant Dieneces who seems to have stood out in the

was his lieutenant Dieneces who seems to have stood out in the battle.

seems to have stood out in the battle. >> But despite the valiant

battle. >> But despite the valiant effort, and the years of intense

>> But despite the valiant effort, and the years of intense and brutal military training, it

effort, and the years of intense and brutal military training, it would only be a matter of time

and brutal military training, it would only be a matter of time before these soldiers of the

would only be a matter of time before these soldiers of the Spartan warrior cult were

before these soldiers of the Spartan warrior cult were slaughtered.

And indeed, it seems the oracle's message to Leonidas was soon to be fulfilled.

>> Herodotus writes that at some point early in the battle, Leonidas is struck by Persian

point early in the battle, Leonidas is struck by Persian arrow fire.

Leonidas is struck by Persian arrow fire. One can only imagine the great

arrow fire. One can only imagine the great king lying there dying and

One can only imagine the great king lying there dying and watching his Spartan brethren

king lying there dying and watching his Spartan brethren fall one by one.

>> "Leonidas fell in this spot having shown that he was a man of quality, like the heroes of

having shown that he was a man of quality, like the heroes of old.

of quality, like the heroes of old. There was a great battle over

old. There was a great battle over the body of Leonidas.

There was a great battle over the body of Leonidas. Four times the Greeks beat back

the body of Leonidas. Four times the Greeks beat back the enemy and finally recovered

Four times the Greeks beat back the enemy and finally recovered the body by their valor.

the enemy and finally recovered the body by their valor. >> NARRATOR: Herodotus writes

the body by their valor. >> NARRATOR: Herodotus writes that Dieneces rescues his king's

>> NARRATOR: Herodotus writes that Dieneces rescues his king's body and, with the few remaining

that Dieneces rescues his king's body and, with the few remaining Spartan soldiers, retreats into

body and, with the few remaining Spartan soldiers, retreats into a narrower part of the pass.

Spartan soldiers, retreats into a narrower part of the pass. The Persians call out their

a narrower part of the pass. The Persians call out their archers one last time.

The Persians call out their archers one last time. They are easily able to find

archers one last time. They are easily able to find their targets.

They are easily able to find their targets. Every Spartan is slaughtered.

After the massacre, Xerxes walks the battlefield. He's lost almost 20,000 men in

the battlefield. He's lost almost 20,000 men in three days.

He's lost almost 20,000 men in three days. He orders his soldiers to be

three days. He orders his soldiers to be buried so that the rest of his

He orders his soldiers to be buried so that the rest of his army will not be demoralized by

buried so that the rest of his army will not be demoralized by the sight of rotting corpses.

army will not be demoralized by the sight of rotting corpses. Xerxes also orders the head of

the sight of rotting corpses. Xerxes also orders the head of Leonidas to be chopped off and

Xerxes also orders the head of Leonidas to be chopped off and affixed to a stake.

Leonidas to be chopped off and affixed to a stake. >> In this catastrophe, what do

affixed to a stake. >> In this catastrophe, what do we find that's good?

>> In this catastrophe, what do we find that's good? And the answer it the heroic

we find that's good? And the answer it the heroic death of people who held the

And the answer it the heroic death of people who held the pass so that their comrades may

death of people who held the pass so that their comrades may live, to buy time for their

pass so that their comrades may live, to buy time for their country.

live, to buy time for their country. It's a great, heroic story.

country. It's a great, heroic story. It's exactly the kind of thing

It's a great, heroic story. It's exactly the kind of thing that they would remember in the

It's exactly the kind of thing that they would remember in the same way that we tend to

that they would remember in the same way that we tend to remember in our culture those

same way that we tend to remember in our culture those men and women who die while

remember in our culture those men and women who die while performing heroic sacrifice and

men and women who die while performing heroic sacrifice and win the Medal of Honor.

performing heroic sacrifice and win the Medal of Honor. We hold it up as an example to

win the Medal of Honor. We hold it up as an example to the next generation.

We hold it up as an example to the next generation. If this happens to you, this is

the next generation. If this happens to you, this is what we expect you to do.

If this happens to you, this is what we expect you to do. The Greeks did the same thing.

what we expect you to do. The Greeks did the same thing. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes now has a

The Greeks did the same thing. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes now has a clear path in front of him.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes now has a clear path in front of him. The Greek city-state of Athens

is doomed.

>> NARRATOR: Leonidas and the 300 Spartans are dead. There is nothing standing

300 Spartans are dead. There is nothing standing between the Persian king Xerxes

There is nothing standing between the Persian king Xerxes and Athens.

>> He marches his force through the pass of Thermopylae,

the pass of Thermopylae, essentially scattering Greek

essentially scattering Greek forces before him.

forces before him. Some of the Greek city-states

Some of the Greek city-states that had been allied with Athens

that had been allied with Athens now go over to the Persians out

now go over to the Persians out of self-interest.

>> NARRATOR: Off the coast at Artemesium, Themistocles again holds off the Persian fleet, but

Artemesium, Themistocles again holds off the Persian fleet, but this time sustains significant

holds off the Persian fleet, but this time sustains significant casualties and loses some of his

this time sustains significant casualties and loses some of his fleet.

casualties and loses some of his fleet. But because of the collapse of

fleet. But because of the collapse of the Greek land defense, there is

But because of the collapse of the Greek land defense, there is no longer any reason for

the Greek land defense, there is no longer any reason for Themistocles to defend the

no longer any reason for Themistocles to defend the strait.

Themistocles to defend the strait. He leads the surviving fleet

strait. He leads the surviving fleet south to regroup and fight

He leads the surviving fleet south to regroup and fight another day.

south to regroup and fight another day. Knowing the burning of Athens--

another day. Knowing the burning of Athens-- the cradle of democracy-- is

Knowing the burning of Athens-- the cradle of democracy-- is inevitable, the Athenians had

the cradle of democracy-- is inevitable, the Athenians had visited the Oracle at Delphi

inevitable, the Athenians had visited the Oracle at Delphi seeking her guidance.

visited the Oracle at Delphi seeking her guidance. >> Why do you sit, you who await

seeking her guidance. >> Why do you sit, you who await doom?

>> Why do you sit, you who await doom? Flee to the furthest parts of

doom? Flee to the furthest parts of the earth.

Flee to the furthest parts of the earth. Zeus the all-seeing gives to you

the earth. Zeus the all-seeing gives to you a wooden wall, the only thing to

Zeus the all-seeing gives to you a wooden wall, the only thing to be indestructible, a benefit to

a wooden wall, the only thing to be indestructible, a benefit to you and your children.

>> As usually happens with oracles, the meaning is cryptic.

oracles, the meaning is cryptic. And there are lots of Athenians

And there are lots of Athenians who believe that the oracle is

who believe that the oracle is telling them to stay behind the

telling them to stay behind the walls of the Acropolis.

But Themistocles believes that the wooden walls refers to the ships of the navy and that the

the wooden walls refers to the ships of the navy and that the city should be evacuated.

ships of the navy and that the city should be evacuated. >> NARRATOR: Two months after

city should be evacuated. >> NARRATOR: Two months after the last stand at Thermopylae,

>> NARRATOR: Two months after the last stand at Thermopylae, Xerxes fulfills his promise to

the last stand at Thermopylae, Xerxes fulfills his promise to avenge the burning of the Ionian

Xerxes fulfills his promise to avenge the burning of the Ionian capital Sardis and the loss at

avenge the burning of the Ionian capital Sardis and the loss at Marathon.

capital Sardis and the loss at Marathon. It has taken 20 years, two major

Marathon. It has taken 20 years, two major cross-continental invasions, and

It has taken 20 years, two major cross-continental invasions, and the loss of tens of thousands of

cross-continental invasions, and the loss of tens of thousands of lives, but Xerxes finally burns

the loss of tens of thousands of lives, but Xerxes finally burns Athens to the ground.

lives, but Xerxes finally burns Athens to the ground. But the great loss of lives is

Athens to the ground. But the great loss of lives is averted.

But the great loss of lives is averted. The only fatalities are those

averted. The only fatalities are those who refuse to abandon their

The only fatalities are those who refuse to abandon their temple and their god at the

who refuse to abandon their temple and their god at the Acropolis.

temple and their god at the Acropolis. >> There are a few people who

Acropolis. >> There are a few people who stayed, not many.

And he razes everything to the

ground on top of the Acropolis, which are the most sacred

which are the most sacred temples of the Athenians.

Basically, that's the payback for Sardis. >> NARRATOR: A month after

for Sardis. >> NARRATOR: A month after Xerxes destroys Athens, the

>> NARRATOR: A month after Xerxes destroys Athens, the Greeks exact their own revenge.

Xerxes destroys Athens, the Greeks exact their own revenge. Themistocles lures the Persian

Greeks exact their own revenge. Themistocles lures the Persian king into the Strait of Salamis,

Themistocles lures the Persian king into the Strait of Salamis, where many of the Athenians have

king into the Strait of Salamis, where many of the Athenians have fled, and his rejuvenated navy

where many of the Athenians have fled, and his rejuvenated navy waits.

fled, and his rejuvenated navy waits. While scholars debate the exact

waits. While scholars debate the exact details, it seems that a Greek

While scholars debate the exact details, it seems that a Greek double agent has fed false

details, it seems that a Greek double agent has fed false information to the Persians

double agent has fed false information to the Persians about the Greek position.

information to the Persians about the Greek position. The Persians sail into the

about the Greek position. The Persians sail into the Strait of Salamis and are

The Persians sail into the Strait of Salamis and are surprised and broadsided by the

Strait of Salamis and are surprised and broadsided by the Greek fleet.

surprised and broadsided by the Greek fleet. Themistocles destroys much of

Greek fleet. Themistocles destroys much of the Persian navy.

Themistocles destroys much of the Persian navy. >> The naval battle at Salamis

the Persian navy. >> The naval battle at Salamis is probably the most important

>> The naval battle at Salamis is probably the most important strategic moment of this Persian

is probably the most important strategic moment of this Persian and Greek war.

strategic moment of this Persian and Greek war. Yes, the Persians defeated the

and Greek war. Yes, the Persians defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae, and yes,

Yes, the Persians defeated the Greeks at Thermopylae, and yes, they burned Athens to the

Greeks at Thermopylae, and yes, they burned Athens to the ground.

they burned Athens to the ground. But the Greek navy inflicted so

ground. But the Greek navy inflicted so much damage to the Persian fleet

But the Greek navy inflicted so much damage to the Persian fleet at Salamis that Xerxes has to

much damage to the Persian fleet at Salamis that Xerxes has to withdraw.

at Salamis that Xerxes has to withdraw. Eventually, he's got to sail

withdraw. Eventually, he's got to sail home, and if he doesn't have

Eventually, he's got to sail home, and if he doesn't have enough warships to defend

home, and if he doesn't have enough warships to defend against his transport ships,

enough warships to defend against his transport ships, then he's doomed.

against his transport ships, then he's doomed. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes leaves

then he's doomed. >> NARRATOR: Xerxes leaves Greece and never returns.

>> NARRATOR: Xerxes leaves Greece and never returns. Many historians believe this is

Greece and never returns. Many historians believe this is the beginning of the end of the

Many historians believe this is the beginning of the end of the Persian Empire, for the Greeks

the beginning of the end of the Persian Empire, for the Greeks now become emboldened and attack

Persian Empire, for the Greeks now become emboldened and attack the Persians on their own soil.

now become emboldened and attack the Persians on their own soil. The Greeks will score major

the Persians on their own soil. The Greeks will score major military defeats against the

The Greeks will score major military defeats against the Persians at Plataea, Mycale, and

military defeats against the Persians at Plataea, Mycale, and Sestos.

Persians at Plataea, Mycale, and Sestos. >> The Greeks chase the Persians

Sestos. >> The Greeks chase the Persians back to Asia.

>> The Greeks chase the Persians back to Asia. And they burn that great pontoon

back to Asia. And they burn that great pontoon bridge that had been built to

And they burn that great pontoon bridge that had been built to cross the Hellespont.

bridge that had been built to cross the Hellespont. They let it burn into the

cross the Hellespont. They let it burn into the Aegean.

They let it burn into the Aegean. But before they burn it, they

Aegean. But before they burn it, they remove those cables-- the ones

But before they burn it, they remove those cables-- the ones made of flaxen and papyrus that

remove those cables-- the ones made of flaxen and papyrus that tethered the ships together--

made of flaxen and papyrus that tethered the ships together-- and they keep them as trophies.

tethered the ships together-- and they keep them as trophies. In fact, the Athenians so prized

and they keep them as trophies. In fact, the Athenians so prized these cables as trophies that

In fact, the Athenians so prized these cables as trophies that they put them in their newly

these cables as trophies that they put them in their newly rebuilt Parthenon.

they put them in their newly rebuilt Parthenon. >> NARRATOR: Because the

rebuilt Parthenon. >> NARRATOR: Because the different Greek city-states like

>> NARRATOR: Because the different Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta could abandon

different Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta could abandon their internal differences, they

Athens and Sparta could abandon their internal differences, they were able to ultimately join

their internal differences, they were able to ultimately join together and battle Persia as a

were able to ultimately join together and battle Persia as a unified country.

together and battle Persia as a unified country. It is a strategy they first

unified country. It is a strategy they first employed at the Thermopylae

It is a strategy they first employed at the Thermopylae Pass.

employed at the Thermopylae Pass. >> Sometimes we don't appreciate

Pass. >> Sometimes we don't appreciate how important Thermopylae was--

>> Sometimes we don't appreciate how important Thermopylae was-- perhaps not from a military

how important Thermopylae was-- perhaps not from a military perspective, but from a symbolic

perhaps not from a military perspective, but from a symbolic and cultural perspective.

perspective, but from a symbolic and cultural perspective. Greece was becoming what it had

and cultural perspective. Greece was becoming what it had never been.

Greece was becoming what it had never been. It was moving away from being a

never been. It was moving away from being a hodgepodge of small city-states

It was moving away from being a hodgepodge of small city-states into a nation that had a sense

hodgepodge of small city-states into a nation that had a sense of being one, of being Greek

into a nation that had a sense of being one, of being Greek more than Athenian, Greek more

of being one, of being Greek more than Athenian, Greek more than Spartan, and to begin to

more than Athenian, Greek more than Spartan, and to begin to identify its own values and

than Spartan, and to begin to identify its own values and cultures, not as individual

identify its own values and cultures, not as individual city-states, but as a nation as

cultures, not as individual city-states, but as a nation as a whole.

city-states, but as a nation as a whole. >> NARRATOR: Eventually, Philip

a whole. >> NARRATOR: Eventually, Philip of Macedon takes this one step

>> NARRATOR: Eventually, Philip of Macedon takes this one step further and unifies the Greek

of Macedon takes this one step further and unifies the Greek city-states into a single

further and unifies the Greek city-states into a single country.

city-states into a single country. With this unified country,

country. With this unified country, Philip's son Alexander destroys

With this unified country, Philip's son Alexander destroys the Persian Empire and exports

Philip's son Alexander destroys the Persian Empire and exports Greek culture throughout the

the Persian Empire and exports Greek culture throughout the world, introducing the

Greek culture throughout the world, introducing the vanquished to Greek politics,

world, introducing the vanquished to Greek politics, law, literature, philosophy, and

vanquished to Greek politics, law, literature, philosophy, and art.

law, literature, philosophy, and art. >> And the culture he spread

art. >> And the culture he spread became the very basis of Western

>> And the culture he spread became the very basis of Western civilization.

became the very basis of Western civilization. All of that would have been

civilization. All of that would have been impossible-- would have been

All of that would have been impossible-- would have been completely impossible-- had

impossible-- would have been completely impossible-- had Greece remained nothing more

completely impossible-- had Greece remained nothing more than a set of separate city-

Greece remained nothing more than a set of separate city- states.

than a set of separate city- states. But it had become one nation,

states. But it had become one nation, its sense of nationalism, and

But it had become one nation, its sense of nationalism, and that sense of nationalism began

its sense of nationalism, and that sense of nationalism began at one important place.

that sense of nationalism began at one important place. And that place was at the Pass

at one important place. And that place was at the Pass of Thermopylae.

>> NARRATOR: It was a last stand for Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, soldiers who stayed

for Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, soldiers who stayed behind and fought to the death

Spartans, soldiers who stayed behind and fought to the death while their Greek brethren

behind and fought to the death while their Greek brethren escaped to fight another day.

>> Wars are won by breaking the will of your enemy to fight on.

will of your enemy to fight on. At Thermopylae, Leonidas and the

At Thermopylae, Leonidas and the Spartans began to break the will

Spartans began to break the will of the Persians.

>> NARRATOR: It would take another 150 years, but the memory of the 300 Spartans will

another 150 years, but the memory of the 300 Spartans will eventually spur the Greeks to

memory of the 300 Spartans will eventually spur the Greeks to victory over the Persians.

eventually spur the Greeks to victory over the Persians. >> If the Persians had been

victory over the Persians. >> If the Persians had been victorious, democracy would have

>> If the Persians had been victorious, democracy would have been stopped in its tracks.

victorious, democracy would have been stopped in its tracks. And it is, I think,

been stopped in its tracks. And it is, I think, inconceivable, that democracy

And it is, I think, inconceivable, that democracy would have arisen anywhere else

inconceivable, that democracy would have arisen anywhere else in either the near East or the

would have arisen anywhere else in either the near East or the Greek world, and that would have

in either the near East or the Greek world, and that would have been the end of democracy.

>> NARRATOR: For centuries, military scholars have examined

military scholars have examined the Spartan's last stand, where

the Spartan's last stand, where few stood against many and death

few stood against many and death was the ultimate sacrifice.

was the ultimate sacrifice. While many still admire and

While many still admire and cherish this Spartan heroism and

cherish this Spartan heroism and bravery, what is perhaps more

bravery, what is perhaps more important is what the battle did

important is what the battle did for Western civilization and the

for Western civilization and the world.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH

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