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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:02,620 --> 00:00:04,413 Narrator: the spartans -- 2 00:00:04,448 --> 00:00:07,827 The greatest warriors Of ancient greece. 3 00:00:07,862 --> 00:00:12,000 "Spartans" became a byword For heroism and courage. 4 00:00:12,034 --> 00:00:14,241 Narrator: These fearless fighters 5 00:00:14,275 --> 00:00:16,241 Carved their names into legend 6 00:00:16,275 --> 00:00:18,413 At thermopylae... 7 00:00:18,448 --> 00:00:19,931 In an epic battle 8 00:00:19,965 --> 00:00:22,344 That changes The course of history. 9 00:00:22,379 --> 00:00:26,379 What the spartans achieved at Thermopylae was immortal glory. 10 00:00:26,413 --> 00:00:29,758 Narrator: ancient sources claim 300 spartans 11 00:00:29,793 --> 00:00:33,551 Hold off an army Of more than 1 million men, 12 00:00:33,586 --> 00:00:37,241 But how much of this Blood-soaked tale is true? 13 00:00:37,275 --> 00:00:40,310 For thousands of years, people Have wanted to know the truth 14 00:00:40,344 --> 00:00:41,793 Of what actually happened here. 15 00:00:41,827 --> 00:00:45,103 Narrator: today, investigators Use satellite technology 16 00:00:45,137 --> 00:00:47,103 And weapons tests 17 00:00:47,137 --> 00:00:50,413 To reveal the secrets Of this monumental clash. 18 00:00:50,448 --> 00:00:53,103 ♪♪ 19 00:00:53,137 --> 00:00:54,586 -ah! -oh! 20 00:00:54,620 --> 00:00:58,275 Narrator: to unlock the truth Behind these ancient warriors, 21 00:00:58,310 --> 00:01:02,655 We'll rebuild the battlefield Of their greatest conflict -- 22 00:01:02,689 --> 00:01:06,793 Reconstruct their lost city In the mountains 23 00:01:06,827 --> 00:01:12,620 And reveal the hidden evidence Of their courageous last stand. 24 00:01:12,655 --> 00:01:15,620 --captions by vitac-- Www.Vitac.Com 25 00:01:15,655 --> 00:01:18,655 Captions paid for by Discovery communications 26 00:01:19,896 --> 00:01:23,241 Thermopylae, central greece -- 27 00:01:23,275 --> 00:01:24,896 Today, the kallidromo mountains 28 00:01:24,931 --> 00:01:29,241 Loom over a peaceful landscape, 29 00:01:29,275 --> 00:01:31,172 But 2,500 years ago, 30 00:01:31,206 --> 00:01:34,689 These slopes ring With the sound of war. 31 00:01:34,724 --> 00:01:36,758 The battle of thermopylae Has become 32 00:01:36,793 --> 00:01:39,517 One of the most famous Battles in history. 33 00:01:39,551 --> 00:01:42,310 Narrator: At this ancient battlefield, 34 00:01:42,344 --> 00:01:45,896 Two great armies collide 35 00:01:45,931 --> 00:01:49,310 In a clash Of extraordinary proportions. 36 00:01:51,896 --> 00:01:55,241 Legend has it that in 480 b.C., 37 00:01:55,275 --> 00:01:58,344 The persian king xerxes Invades greece 38 00:01:58,379 --> 00:02:02,275 With an army Of more than 1 million men. 39 00:02:02,310 --> 00:02:04,862 To reach the greek capital, 40 00:02:04,896 --> 00:02:07,620 They have to squeeze through The narrow coastal pass 41 00:02:07,655 --> 00:02:09,551 At thermopylae, 42 00:02:09,586 --> 00:02:13,172 But one thing stands In their way -- 43 00:02:13,206 --> 00:02:18,034 300 elite spartan warriors Armed to the teeth. 44 00:02:18,068 --> 00:02:20,517 ♪♪ 45 00:02:20,551 --> 00:02:25,551 The 300 spartans hold off The persian forces for 3 days, 46 00:02:25,586 --> 00:02:28,896 Killing tens of thousands. 47 00:02:28,931 --> 00:02:33,241 Is there any truth to this Incredible war story? 48 00:02:33,275 --> 00:02:34,620 [ indistinct shouting ] 49 00:02:34,655 --> 00:02:38,655 Historian ian macgregor morris Is on a quest to discover 50 00:02:38,689 --> 00:02:41,551 What really happens At thermopylae. 51 00:02:41,586 --> 00:02:45,758 He wants to know where reality Lies within the legend, 52 00:02:45,793 --> 00:02:48,517 But the stories Come from ancient texts 53 00:02:48,551 --> 00:02:51,620 Written after the fighting ends. 54 00:02:51,655 --> 00:02:53,586 Morris: the writers Were not at the battle, 55 00:02:53,620 --> 00:02:56,793 So we always have to be Very careful reading them. 56 00:02:56,827 --> 00:02:59,586 Narrator: ian first wants to Examine why the spartans 57 00:02:59,620 --> 00:03:03,551 Take on what seems Like a suicide mission. 58 00:03:03,586 --> 00:03:09,000 His investigation starts here at The ancient sanctuary of delphi. 59 00:03:09,034 --> 00:03:12,655 This is where the spartan road To war begins. 60 00:03:12,689 --> 00:03:15,241 Morris: delphi was a crucial Place in the lead-up to the war. 61 00:03:15,275 --> 00:03:18,448 It was a site of gossip, People spreading ideas, 62 00:03:18,482 --> 00:03:20,862 Rumors of the coming threats. 63 00:03:20,896 --> 00:03:25,103 ♪♪ 64 00:03:25,137 --> 00:03:30,034 Narrator: in 480 b.C., sparta Is just one small city-state 65 00:03:30,068 --> 00:03:35,379 In a divided greece. 66 00:03:35,413 --> 00:03:36,965 Persia is a superpower 67 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:40,689 That's conquered two-thirds Of the known world. 68 00:03:40,724 --> 00:03:45,724 Now it's hell-bent On crushing greece. 69 00:03:45,758 --> 00:03:49,931 Legend says that the spartan King and commander, leonidas, 70 00:03:49,965 --> 00:03:51,620 Sends emissaries to delphi 71 00:03:51,655 --> 00:03:55,586 To seek advice On the gathering storm. 72 00:03:55,620 --> 00:04:00,172 They gain an audience With delphi's magical priestess. 73 00:04:00,206 --> 00:04:05,413 Known as the oracle, she Can supposedly tell the future. 74 00:04:05,448 --> 00:04:07,551 Before any major undertaking, 75 00:04:07,586 --> 00:04:12,241 Spartans would ask The approval of the oracle. 76 00:04:12,275 --> 00:04:15,137 Narrator: 2,500 years ago, 77 00:04:15,172 --> 00:04:19,931 Delphi is home to a grand temple Dedicated to apollo, 78 00:04:19,965 --> 00:04:24,379 The god of truth and prophecy. 79 00:04:24,413 --> 00:04:28,517 Legend has it that deep In the bowels of the temple 80 00:04:28,551 --> 00:04:34,103 Is a forbidden room -- The inner sanctum of the oracle. 81 00:04:34,137 --> 00:04:37,965 Here, the essence of apollo Leaks through the floor, 82 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:40,758 Sending the priestess Into a deep trance. 83 00:04:40,793 --> 00:04:44,413 ♪♪ 84 00:04:44,448 --> 00:04:48,000 She predicts that if The spartans fight persia, 85 00:04:48,034 --> 00:04:50,793 Either their city Will be destroyed, 86 00:04:50,827 --> 00:04:53,275 Or their king will die. 87 00:04:53,310 --> 00:04:57,068 ♪♪ 88 00:04:57,103 --> 00:04:58,931 Can this prophecy of doom 89 00:04:58,965 --> 00:05:03,034 Convince the spartans To go to war? 90 00:05:03,068 --> 00:05:05,655 To find out, ian first Wants to discover 91 00:05:05,689 --> 00:05:09,689 If there's any truth behind The story of the priestess. 92 00:05:09,724 --> 00:05:14,034 Incredibly, the fumes That fuel the oracle's visions 93 00:05:14,068 --> 00:05:17,862 Could have A real-world explanation. 94 00:05:17,896 --> 00:05:20,137 Ian searches for evidence On the mountainside 95 00:05:20,172 --> 00:05:23,448 Where delphi is built. 96 00:05:23,482 --> 00:05:26,758 This jagged spike of rock Is a clue. 97 00:05:26,793 --> 00:05:29,896 Morris: and what we see here Is evidence of a fault line 98 00:05:29,931 --> 00:05:33,655 Running under the landscape Through this part of greece. 99 00:05:33,689 --> 00:05:38,448 It is evidence of great Geological activity. 100 00:05:38,482 --> 00:05:40,413 Narrator: earthquakes have Shaken these mountains 101 00:05:40,448 --> 00:05:42,896 For thousands of years. 102 00:05:42,931 --> 00:05:47,620 They push rocks like this Out of the ground. 103 00:05:47,655 --> 00:05:49,896 Ian thinks the same Seismic activity 104 00:05:49,931 --> 00:05:53,793 Could be responsible For the oracle's visions. 105 00:05:53,827 --> 00:05:56,620 Morris: ruptures caused By this violent movement 106 00:05:56,655 --> 00:05:59,137 Could have released Trapped gases, 107 00:05:59,172 --> 00:06:02,068 And these vapors emerging From the earth 108 00:06:02,103 --> 00:06:03,620 Could've inspired the legends 109 00:06:03,655 --> 00:06:07,862 And the stories of the Intoxication of the priestess. 110 00:06:07,896 --> 00:06:10,793 Morris: these hallucinogenic Vapors send the oracle 111 00:06:10,827 --> 00:06:14,413 Into an otherworldly trance. 112 00:06:14,448 --> 00:06:15,689 For the ancient greeks, 113 00:06:15,724 --> 00:06:19,000 It's a terrifying And convincing spectacle. 114 00:06:19,034 --> 00:06:21,241 We have this evidence That it had a very real impact 115 00:06:21,275 --> 00:06:22,655 On people's lives. 116 00:06:22,689 --> 00:06:24,724 Again and again in our sources, 117 00:06:24,758 --> 00:06:27,724 The spartans regularly Sent officials here 118 00:06:27,758 --> 00:06:31,137 To ask key questions Of the priestess. 119 00:06:31,172 --> 00:06:33,103 Narrator: ian thinks there's A grain of truth 120 00:06:33,137 --> 00:06:35,482 To the story of the oracle. 121 00:06:35,517 --> 00:06:37,517 The prophecies of the priestess Were taken very, 122 00:06:37,551 --> 00:06:39,551 Very seriously, indeed. 123 00:06:39,586 --> 00:06:43,241 The oracle the spartans received Did not give them much choice. 124 00:06:43,275 --> 00:06:46,586 It made the actions of leonidas Absolutely necessary. 125 00:06:46,620 --> 00:06:48,482 ♪♪ 126 00:06:48,517 --> 00:06:49,896 Narrator: the spartan king 127 00:06:49,931 --> 00:06:54,862 Believes in the oracle's Premonition of his death. 128 00:06:54,896 --> 00:06:58,034 For him, It's a sign of his destiny, 129 00:06:58,068 --> 00:07:01,517 That he must sacrifice himself In battle 130 00:07:01,551 --> 00:07:05,724 To save sparta From persian tyranny. 131 00:07:05,758 --> 00:07:08,275 Driven by the prophecy, 132 00:07:08,310 --> 00:07:13,275 Leonidas readies His troops for war. 133 00:07:13,310 --> 00:07:16,379 Convinced they're marching To their deaths, 134 00:07:16,413 --> 00:07:20,034 He selects Only experienced warriors 135 00:07:20,068 --> 00:07:23,517 Who leave behind sons To keep their lineage alive. 136 00:07:23,551 --> 00:07:26,620 ♪♪ 137 00:07:26,655 --> 00:07:30,000 It's clear they can't face The coming threat alone... 138 00:07:30,034 --> 00:07:32,827 ♪♪ 139 00:07:32,862 --> 00:07:34,758 ...But in the lead-up to battle, 140 00:07:34,793 --> 00:07:37,448 Many greek states Would rather submit to persia 141 00:07:37,482 --> 00:07:41,724 Than take on xerxes' huge army. 142 00:07:41,758 --> 00:07:45,000 With the invasion of xerxes, Only certain greek states 143 00:07:45,034 --> 00:07:49,034 Saw a mutual interest In fighting side by side. 144 00:07:49,068 --> 00:07:52,034 Narrator: but ian believes Leonidas taking a stand 145 00:07:52,068 --> 00:07:55,206 Against the invaders 146 00:07:55,241 --> 00:07:59,000 Inspires rival states To join sparta at war. 147 00:07:59,034 --> 00:08:00,896 ♪♪ 148 00:08:00,931 --> 00:08:05,655 Morris: He made a very deliberate choice To symbolically resist persia. 149 00:08:05,689 --> 00:08:08,931 This in itself is an incredibly Heroic stance 150 00:08:08,965 --> 00:08:12,000 To encourage the rest Of the allies to come together. 151 00:08:12,034 --> 00:08:14,551 ♪♪ 152 00:08:14,586 --> 00:08:18,172 Narrator: In the summer of 480 b.C., 153 00:08:18,206 --> 00:08:22,137 Leonidas mobilizes 300 Of his finest warriors. 154 00:08:22,172 --> 00:08:27,758 ♪♪ 155 00:08:27,793 --> 00:08:33,379 On the road to war, other forces Join them from all over greece. 156 00:08:33,413 --> 00:08:36,413 ♪♪ 157 00:08:36,448 --> 00:08:40,620 As leonidas marches Over 200 miles to thermopylae, 158 00:08:40,655 --> 00:08:46,137 He picks up troops From over 30 greek states. 159 00:08:46,172 --> 00:08:51,172 The 300 spartans fighting alone Is a modern myth. 160 00:08:51,206 --> 00:08:55,034 On the eve of battle, The greeks are 7,000 strong. 161 00:08:55,068 --> 00:08:57,655 ♪♪ 162 00:08:57,689 --> 00:08:59,965 The spartans will form The front line 163 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:03,034 Against the gigantic Persian army, 164 00:09:03,068 --> 00:09:07,344 Which is said to be The largest in the world. 165 00:09:07,379 --> 00:09:11,068 Legend has it, they hold off The relentless enemy attack 166 00:09:11,103 --> 00:09:16,413 For three days, But are the stories accurate? 167 00:09:16,448 --> 00:09:20,241 Now, investigators can finally Reveal the secrets 168 00:09:20,275 --> 00:09:25,344 Of how leonidas and his warriors Fight back against annihilation. 169 00:09:25,379 --> 00:09:30,586 ♪♪ 170 00:09:32,068 --> 00:09:35,206 ♪♪ 171 00:09:35,241 --> 00:09:40,655 Narrator: Thermopylae, greece, 480 b.C. -- 172 00:09:40,689 --> 00:09:42,551 King leonidas marches here 173 00:09:42,586 --> 00:09:46,620 With 300 elite spartan warriors 174 00:09:46,655 --> 00:09:49,344 Joined by 7,000 greek troops. 175 00:09:49,379 --> 00:09:52,068 ♪♪ 176 00:09:52,103 --> 00:09:55,448 Ancient sources estimate The opposing persian army 177 00:09:55,482 --> 00:10:01,034 To consist of 1 million men. 178 00:10:01,068 --> 00:10:05,931 It's said the spartans Fight them off for three days. 179 00:10:05,965 --> 00:10:08,413 It's an incredible feat, But is it true? 180 00:10:08,448 --> 00:10:11,034 ♪♪ 181 00:10:11,068 --> 00:10:13,793 Ancient writers say The spartans make their stand 182 00:10:13,827 --> 00:10:19,172 At a narrow pass flanked By mountains and the sea. 183 00:10:19,206 --> 00:10:23,310 They claim it's key To the spartan battle plan. 184 00:10:23,344 --> 00:10:26,482 Ian macgregor morris, An expert on sparta, 185 00:10:26,517 --> 00:10:27,862 Has come to the battle site 186 00:10:27,896 --> 00:10:32,068 To see if legend Matches up with reality. 187 00:10:32,103 --> 00:10:34,517 Morris: below me is The battlefield of thermopylae, 188 00:10:34,551 --> 00:10:37,379 But what we see here Is utterly different 189 00:10:37,413 --> 00:10:40,137 From what is described In our sources. 190 00:10:40,172 --> 00:10:41,448 The sea is miles away. 191 00:10:41,482 --> 00:10:45,965 The cliffs are not Particularly steep here. 192 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:49,103 Narrator: it seems like The sources are flawed, 193 00:10:49,137 --> 00:10:52,379 But in the 2,500 years Since the battle, 194 00:10:52,413 --> 00:10:54,931 The scenery here Has changed dramatically. 195 00:10:54,965 --> 00:10:59,172 ♪♪ 196 00:10:59,206 --> 00:11:02,000 Blowing away the modern Landscape 197 00:11:02,034 --> 00:11:06,724 Reveals a mix of salt, Sediment, and marine fossils, 198 00:11:06,758 --> 00:11:11,068 A clue that this Isn't always dry land. 199 00:11:11,103 --> 00:11:15,172 It leads to a shelf of brilliant White travertine rock 200 00:11:15,206 --> 00:11:19,000 Laid down by Mineral-rich hot springs. 201 00:11:19,034 --> 00:11:23,965 At the time of the battle, This is 60 feet lower 202 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:28,448 And right on the waterline, Creating a narrow strip of land 203 00:11:28,482 --> 00:11:31,827 Between the sea And the mountains. 204 00:11:31,862 --> 00:11:37,068 This hidden landscape fits the Description of the battlefield. 205 00:11:37,103 --> 00:11:39,413 Is this really where The spartans face off 206 00:11:39,448 --> 00:11:41,758 Against the persians? 207 00:11:41,793 --> 00:11:45,620 Where I'm standing would've been The coastline in 480 b.C. 208 00:11:45,655 --> 00:11:48,827 Opposite me -- sheer cliffs. 209 00:11:48,862 --> 00:11:51,206 Narrator: ian thinks The landscape is a key factor 210 00:11:51,241 --> 00:11:54,620 In the spartan battle plan, 211 00:11:54,655 --> 00:11:57,758 But hot springs have helped Bury the original battlefield 212 00:11:57,793 --> 00:12:01,137 In a strange Sulfurous landscape, 213 00:12:01,172 --> 00:12:04,000 Making it tough for ian To be sure he's at the spot 214 00:12:04,034 --> 00:12:07,344 Where the fighting takes place. 215 00:12:07,379 --> 00:12:08,793 He climbs to higher ground 216 00:12:08,827 --> 00:12:11,758 Searching for the evidence He needs 217 00:12:11,793 --> 00:12:15,965 And finds what could be The remains of an ancient wall. 218 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:20,724 The legend says the spartans Use it to defend their camp. 219 00:12:20,758 --> 00:12:22,896 These large blocks, We can see their size 220 00:12:22,931 --> 00:12:24,206 And how they've been shaped, 221 00:12:24,241 --> 00:12:26,000 Are typical of the years Of greek history 222 00:12:26,034 --> 00:12:29,310 Before the invasion of xerxes, And where we are here, 223 00:12:29,344 --> 00:12:31,206 Just above The pass of thermopylae, 224 00:12:31,241 --> 00:12:33,517 It's highly probable That this is the wall 225 00:12:33,551 --> 00:12:36,724 That our ancient sources Mention. 226 00:12:36,758 --> 00:12:39,000 Narrator: for ian, The wall is further proof 227 00:12:39,034 --> 00:12:41,689 That the sources are accurate. 228 00:12:41,724 --> 00:12:43,034 At the bottom of this slope 229 00:12:43,068 --> 00:12:46,379 Is where the spartans clash With the persians. 230 00:12:46,413 --> 00:12:49,310 Morris: the location of the wall Implies that many of the details 231 00:12:49,344 --> 00:12:51,103 We read in those ancient sources 232 00:12:51,137 --> 00:12:55,034 All tie in with what We actually find here. 233 00:12:55,068 --> 00:12:57,965 Narrator: now that he's found The right location, 234 00:12:58,000 --> 00:13:01,034 Ian thinks the spartan decision To fight here 235 00:13:01,068 --> 00:13:05,620 Is an ingenious tactic. 236 00:13:05,655 --> 00:13:07,206 Morris: When you reach thermopylae, 237 00:13:07,241 --> 00:13:09,724 Leonidas knew With comparatively few men, 238 00:13:09,758 --> 00:13:11,448 The best way to stop The persians 239 00:13:11,482 --> 00:13:13,827 Was to block the road At the narrowest point 240 00:13:13,862 --> 00:13:17,862 That couldn't be outflanked. 241 00:13:17,896 --> 00:13:19,862 Narrator: Ian uses geological data 242 00:13:19,896 --> 00:13:23,068 To reconstruct the coastline In 480 b.C. 243 00:13:23,103 --> 00:13:25,965 ♪♪ 244 00:13:26,000 --> 00:13:28,724 He marks out the dimensions Of the ancient pass 245 00:13:28,758 --> 00:13:33,517 To calculate how many men It would take to defend. 246 00:13:33,551 --> 00:13:37,103 We see how close we are To the cliffs here. 247 00:13:37,137 --> 00:13:38,827 In this space, 248 00:13:38,862 --> 00:13:43,517 We could fit perhaps 20 spartan warriors in a line, 249 00:13:43,551 --> 00:13:48,931 A wall of bronze Blocking the road into greece. 250 00:13:48,965 --> 00:13:51,551 The data reveals A narrow battlefield 251 00:13:51,586 --> 00:13:55,344 That suits The small spartan army, 252 00:13:55,379 --> 00:13:59,310 But it plays havoc with The persian plan of attack. 253 00:13:59,344 --> 00:14:02,310 The persians could not utilize Their huge numbers. 254 00:14:02,344 --> 00:14:05,862 The narrowness of the road meant That persians were funneled in 255 00:14:05,896 --> 00:14:08,448 To face the greek line. 256 00:14:08,482 --> 00:14:10,758 Narrator: a narrow battlefield Means the persians 257 00:14:10,793 --> 00:14:15,413 Can't overwhelm the greeks With their huge numbers, 258 00:14:15,448 --> 00:14:17,103 But does it really help The spartans 259 00:14:17,137 --> 00:14:21,793 To fight off a million men? 260 00:14:21,827 --> 00:14:24,620 A clue lies in A long-lost structure 261 00:14:24,655 --> 00:14:27,931 That the persian king builds On his way to thermopylae. 262 00:14:27,965 --> 00:14:32,137 ♪♪ 263 00:14:32,172 --> 00:14:35,068 To move his army into greece, 264 00:14:35,103 --> 00:14:38,413 Xerxes must cross a mile-wide Stretch of sea 265 00:14:38,448 --> 00:14:40,482 Separating asia from europe. 266 00:14:40,517 --> 00:14:44,896 ♪♪ 267 00:14:44,931 --> 00:14:49,689 According to legend, he anchors 700 ships in the strait 268 00:14:49,724 --> 00:14:54,793 And has them lashed together With thick ropes. 269 00:14:54,827 --> 00:14:59,344 His men lay wooden planks Across the top 270 00:14:59,379 --> 00:15:04,172 And cover them earth To make a roadway. 271 00:15:04,206 --> 00:15:06,965 This creates Two huge pontoon bridges 272 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,586 That carry the massive Persian war machine 273 00:15:09,620 --> 00:15:12,206 Into europe in just seven days. 274 00:15:12,241 --> 00:15:15,758 ♪♪ 275 00:15:15,793 --> 00:15:17,689 But do the greeks really face 276 00:15:17,724 --> 00:15:21,068 The biggest army In the ancient world? 277 00:15:21,103 --> 00:15:22,931 Ian looks for answers In carvings 278 00:15:22,965 --> 00:15:27,241 On the tomb of xerxes, The persian king. 279 00:15:27,275 --> 00:15:28,724 Morris: There are 30 different peoples 280 00:15:28,758 --> 00:15:30,517 Illustrated on this relief, 281 00:15:30,551 --> 00:15:33,931 Including the wealthiest nations In the known world. 282 00:15:33,965 --> 00:15:36,275 This indicates The vast resources 283 00:15:36,310 --> 00:15:41,103 That xerxes could call upon When he wanted to raise an army. 284 00:15:41,137 --> 00:15:43,655 Narrator: xerxes certainly Has the means to assemble 285 00:15:43,689 --> 00:15:46,931 A massive military force, 286 00:15:46,965 --> 00:15:51,793 But ian thinks the size of His army is wildly exaggerated. 287 00:15:51,827 --> 00:15:54,862 How would you supply them With water, with food, 288 00:15:54,896 --> 00:15:57,000 With necessary medicines? 289 00:15:57,034 --> 00:15:59,275 The reality of logistics And necessity 290 00:15:59,310 --> 00:16:01,379 Means that he would've been Marching, 291 00:16:01,413 --> 00:16:04,310 At the most, 100,000 Rather than millions. 292 00:16:04,344 --> 00:16:06,655 ♪♪ 293 00:16:06,689 --> 00:16:09,758 Narrator: the persian army may Not be a million strong 294 00:16:09,793 --> 00:16:13,896 As the ancient texts claim, 295 00:16:13,931 --> 00:16:17,206 But it's still over 10 times Larger than the greek force. 296 00:16:17,241 --> 00:16:20,413 ♪♪ 297 00:16:20,448 --> 00:16:23,000 It's said that before Xerxes attacks, 298 00:16:23,034 --> 00:16:28,413 He gives the spartans One last chance to surrender. 299 00:16:28,448 --> 00:16:31,413 Some sources tell us That the final demand of xerxes 300 00:16:31,448 --> 00:16:34,482 Was simply that the spartans Surrender their arms. 301 00:16:34,517 --> 00:16:38,413 Supposedly, leonidas replied, "Come and take them." 302 00:16:38,448 --> 00:16:43,413 Narrator: The stage is set for one of the Most famous battles in history. 303 00:16:43,448 --> 00:16:48,275 To stand a chance, the spartans Must not only hold their line, 304 00:16:48,310 --> 00:16:52,482 But kill thousands of persians In the process. 305 00:16:52,517 --> 00:16:55,724 Can 300 spartans Really take the fight 306 00:16:55,758 --> 00:16:58,482 To an enemy Of such massive proportions? 307 00:16:58,517 --> 00:17:00,344 [ chatter ] 308 00:17:00,379 --> 00:17:03,620 What makes them the most Effective military force 309 00:17:03,655 --> 00:17:05,896 On the planet? 310 00:17:12,689 --> 00:17:14,241 ♪♪ 311 00:17:14,275 --> 00:17:17,620 Narrator: The battle of thermopylae. 312 00:17:17,655 --> 00:17:21,275 A spartan-led greek force Of 7,000 men 313 00:17:21,310 --> 00:17:23,241 Take on what Investigators believe 314 00:17:23,275 --> 00:17:26,275 Are 100,000 invading persians. 315 00:17:26,310 --> 00:17:29,482 ♪♪ 316 00:17:29,517 --> 00:17:31,724 Legend says the spartans Fight off 317 00:17:31,758 --> 00:17:35,000 This gigantic enemy For three days. 318 00:17:35,034 --> 00:17:36,965 Can it be true? 319 00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:38,655 When we look at the size Of the two armies, 320 00:17:38,689 --> 00:17:40,137 We might expect the persians 321 00:17:40,172 --> 00:17:42,241 To overcome the greeks Very quickly, 322 00:17:42,275 --> 00:17:43,931 But that's not what happened. 323 00:17:43,965 --> 00:17:46,137 Narrator: Day one of the battle -- 324 00:17:46,172 --> 00:17:50,724 The spartan front line tears Into the persian infantry. 325 00:17:50,758 --> 00:17:53,137 They were well-drilled. They were professional, 326 00:17:53,172 --> 00:17:55,413 And they knew What they were expecting. 327 00:17:55,448 --> 00:17:57,724 Narrator: the narrow terrain At thermopylae helps them 328 00:17:57,758 --> 00:18:00,620 To even the odds, 329 00:18:00,655 --> 00:18:03,896 But how do these warriors cut Down such a formidable enemy? 330 00:18:03,931 --> 00:18:07,137 ♪ ahh 331 00:18:07,172 --> 00:18:10,655 The persian army Is a sea of light weapons -- 332 00:18:10,689 --> 00:18:14,758 Bows, spears and daggers. 333 00:18:14,793 --> 00:18:18,586 The spartans are built Like tanks. 334 00:18:18,620 --> 00:18:20,620 Beneath their bronze shields 335 00:18:20,655 --> 00:18:24,551 Is a thick layer Of shock-absorbing wood. 336 00:18:24,586 --> 00:18:30,241 Their hand-molded bronze armor Covers their face and body. 337 00:18:30,275 --> 00:18:34,689 Their iron swords are short, But deadly in close combat. 338 00:18:34,724 --> 00:18:37,724 ♪♪ 339 00:18:37,758 --> 00:18:41,310 Their long wooden spears With vicious double tips 340 00:18:41,344 --> 00:18:43,965 Are lethal weapons. 341 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:48,482 Armed to the teeth, The spartans fear no one. 342 00:18:48,517 --> 00:18:51,689 ♪♪ 343 00:18:51,724 --> 00:18:54,655 Ex-royal marine dr. Nic fields 344 00:18:54,689 --> 00:18:56,586 Studies the tactics Of the soldiers 345 00:18:56,620 --> 00:18:59,379 On the spartan front line. 346 00:18:59,413 --> 00:19:03,241 He thinks their success is due To a tight military formation, 347 00:19:03,275 --> 00:19:06,620 Where fighters close ranks And lock shields. 348 00:19:06,655 --> 00:19:09,172 It's called the phalanx. 349 00:19:09,206 --> 00:19:13,758 [ man shouting in latin ] 350 00:19:13,793 --> 00:19:15,827 As the phalanx is formed, 351 00:19:15,862 --> 00:19:18,103 The front line Becomes a wall of shields 352 00:19:18,137 --> 00:19:20,000 That can defend and attack. 353 00:19:20,034 --> 00:19:23,620 The shield is the phalanx, And you can see why here -- 354 00:19:23,655 --> 00:19:26,482 The overlapping, Protecting the man 355 00:19:26,517 --> 00:19:30,620 From the bottom of his helmet To his knee. 356 00:19:30,655 --> 00:19:35,517 The spear is used to thrust Over the top rim, 357 00:19:35,551 --> 00:19:39,000 So it can only be used in one Direction to jab, jab, jab, jab. 358 00:19:39,034 --> 00:19:41,793 ♪♪ 359 00:19:41,827 --> 00:19:44,137 Narrator: it's a formation That relies on discipline, 360 00:19:44,172 --> 00:19:46,655 Coordination, and trust. 361 00:19:46,689 --> 00:19:49,379 Fields: the shield only covers Half his body, 362 00:19:49,413 --> 00:19:53,034 And therefore, he has to rely On the man standing next to him, 363 00:19:53,068 --> 00:19:56,310 To the right, to the actually Cover the exposed side, 364 00:19:56,344 --> 00:19:57,862 And therefore, it's very Important they actually 365 00:19:57,896 --> 00:20:00,482 Keep the formation. 366 00:20:00,517 --> 00:20:02,275 Locked into their ranks, 367 00:20:02,310 --> 00:20:05,758 The spartans form An impenetrable barrier, 368 00:20:05,793 --> 00:20:08,620 But they don't wait For the persians to engage. 369 00:20:08,655 --> 00:20:10,827 [ man shouting in latin ] 370 00:20:10,862 --> 00:20:14,862 The phalanx is a war machine That can advance on the enemy. 371 00:20:14,896 --> 00:20:16,586 Fields: From the persian point of view, 372 00:20:16,620 --> 00:20:19,103 It must have been A, psychologically speaking, 373 00:20:19,137 --> 00:20:21,827 Quite the frightening effect, 374 00:20:21,862 --> 00:20:25,310 And all you see Is this mass of bronze 375 00:20:25,344 --> 00:20:28,827 And spearpoints Advancing towards you. 376 00:20:28,862 --> 00:20:33,241 It would've just simply Rolled over the persian line, 377 00:20:33,275 --> 00:20:35,310 No contest. 378 00:20:35,344 --> 00:20:37,896 ♪♪ 379 00:20:37,931 --> 00:20:43,413 Narrator: The phalanx crushes the first Waves of persian infantry. 380 00:20:43,448 --> 00:20:46,137 Determined To break the spartan line, 381 00:20:46,172 --> 00:20:50,000 Xerxes sends In the immortals. 382 00:20:50,034 --> 00:20:54,034 These elite warriors are Just as tough as the spartans, 383 00:20:54,068 --> 00:20:58,172 Armed with spears And large shields, 384 00:20:58,206 --> 00:21:00,241 But at the moment of impact, 385 00:21:00,275 --> 00:21:04,344 The phalanx has A final advantage. 386 00:21:04,379 --> 00:21:07,482 The spartan spear Is nearly 3 feet longer 387 00:21:07,517 --> 00:21:09,965 Than the persian spear. 388 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:12,034 This was a far batter weapon 389 00:21:12,068 --> 00:21:15,620 When it came to actually Coming into close combat. 390 00:21:15,655 --> 00:21:17,482 You can see even From that distance, 391 00:21:17,517 --> 00:21:21,241 He can have a clear shot At our exposed face 392 00:21:21,275 --> 00:21:23,862 Of our persian warrior there. 393 00:21:23,896 --> 00:21:26,344 Nic believes the persians Have no answer 394 00:21:26,379 --> 00:21:28,551 To the power of the phalanx. 395 00:21:28,586 --> 00:21:30,517 Xerxes would've expected The battle to be over 396 00:21:30,551 --> 00:21:33,137 In five minutes, But the spartans had 397 00:21:33,172 --> 00:21:36,241 The best military hardware Available at the time. 398 00:21:36,275 --> 00:21:39,586 ♪♪ 399 00:21:39,620 --> 00:21:42,965 ♪♪ 400 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:44,275 Narrator: in close combat, 401 00:21:44,310 --> 00:21:47,965 The persians crush against The spartan shields 402 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:52,517 And right into their spears. 403 00:21:52,551 --> 00:21:56,241 Even large volleys Of persian arrows 404 00:21:56,275 --> 00:21:58,827 Can't penetrate The spartans' tight formation. 405 00:21:58,862 --> 00:22:02,310 ♪♪ 406 00:22:02,344 --> 00:22:05,965 Even for xerxes' Unstoppable force, 407 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:08,758 The phalanx Is an immovable object. 408 00:22:08,793 --> 00:22:12,827 ♪♪ 409 00:22:12,862 --> 00:22:16,068 Their superior tactics And lethal hardware 410 00:22:16,103 --> 00:22:18,379 Give the spartan soldiers A huge advantage 411 00:22:18,413 --> 00:22:21,448 Over their persian rivals, 412 00:22:21,482 --> 00:22:25,448 But for nic, it's warrior unity That keeps it all together. 413 00:22:25,482 --> 00:22:29,103 Fields: the phalanx represents This idea of a community, 414 00:22:29,137 --> 00:22:31,724 But a community On the battlefield. 415 00:22:31,758 --> 00:22:34,000 They knew the guys either To the left of them, 416 00:22:34,034 --> 00:22:35,275 To the right of them, Behind them, 417 00:22:35,310 --> 00:22:36,931 And in front of them. 418 00:22:36,965 --> 00:22:40,551 That was the strength Of the spartans. 419 00:22:40,586 --> 00:22:46,206 Narrator: The spartans are brutally Efficient fighting machines. 420 00:22:46,241 --> 00:22:48,103 At the end of the first day, 421 00:22:48,137 --> 00:22:53,172 Their determination to fight on Is as strong as ever. 422 00:22:53,206 --> 00:22:56,310 What gives these men Such a brutal killing instinct 423 00:22:56,344 --> 00:22:58,482 In the face of endless assault? 424 00:22:58,517 --> 00:23:00,586 ♪♪ 425 00:23:00,620 --> 00:23:04,068 Incredible evidence from The lost city of sparta 426 00:23:04,103 --> 00:23:09,172 Reveals a remarkable warrior Society like nothing ever seen. 427 00:23:09,206 --> 00:23:12,068 ♪♪ 428 00:23:13,482 --> 00:23:18,241 ♪♪ 429 00:23:18,275 --> 00:23:22,862 Narrator: day two of the battle Of thermopylae -- 430 00:23:22,896 --> 00:23:26,103 Once again, the spartans Use their superior weapons 431 00:23:26,137 --> 00:23:30,793 And tactics to slaughter wave After wave of persian infantry. 432 00:23:30,827 --> 00:23:33,034 ♪♪ 433 00:23:33,068 --> 00:23:36,206 What makes these men Unstoppable killing machines? 434 00:23:36,241 --> 00:23:38,310 ♪♪ 435 00:23:38,344 --> 00:23:41,896 A clue lies over 200 miles away. 436 00:23:41,931 --> 00:23:45,965 This is sparta, The birthplace of the 300. 437 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:49,206 Archaeologist maria tsouli Is on a quest to find out 438 00:23:49,241 --> 00:23:54,724 What life is like in 480 b.C. 439 00:23:54,758 --> 00:23:57,448 She uncovers a city That was once the most powerful 440 00:23:57,482 --> 00:23:59,482 In all of greece. 441 00:23:59,517 --> 00:24:01,137 ♪♪ 442 00:24:05,655 --> 00:24:10,275 ♪♪ 443 00:24:10,310 --> 00:24:13,620 At the time of leonidas, 444 00:24:13,655 --> 00:24:17,758 Spartan has temples, Monuments, 445 00:24:17,793 --> 00:24:20,448 And a market square At its heart, 446 00:24:20,482 --> 00:24:22,896 Just like other greek cities, 447 00:24:22,931 --> 00:24:26,517 But that's where The similarities end. 448 00:24:26,551 --> 00:24:28,793 Scattered around the center 449 00:24:28,827 --> 00:24:32,241 Are the modest dwellings Of the spartans. 450 00:24:32,275 --> 00:24:35,206 Sparta is no Gleaming metropolis 451 00:24:35,241 --> 00:24:40,655 But a patchwork of basic brick Houses and military barracks, 452 00:24:40,689 --> 00:24:44,620 And unlike other greek cities, It has no wall around it, 453 00:24:44,655 --> 00:24:47,206 Only farmland. 454 00:24:47,241 --> 00:24:49,965 Sparta doesn't need walls. 455 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:54,137 It has warriors. 456 00:24:54,172 --> 00:24:57,000 Maria investigates how Such a simple city 457 00:24:57,034 --> 00:25:02,965 Can produce fighting machines Like leonidas and his men. 458 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:06,896 She explores a temple In the heart of the city. 459 00:25:06,931 --> 00:25:10,241 Ancient authors describe How at this altar, 460 00:25:10,275 --> 00:25:15,034 Young spartans have to endure A horrifying initiation rite. 461 00:25:29,586 --> 00:25:32,517 ♪♪ 462 00:25:32,551 --> 00:25:36,344 Do these barbaric scenes Really happen? 463 00:25:36,379 --> 00:25:38,172 First, maria checks for evidence 464 00:25:38,206 --> 00:25:42,379 That the altar dates To the time of the spartans. 465 00:25:42,413 --> 00:25:47,137 Mortar on the smaller stones Suggest they're not old enough, 466 00:25:47,172 --> 00:25:48,689 But at the base Of the structure, 467 00:25:48,724 --> 00:25:52,000 She finds traces Of spartan construction. 468 00:26:02,172 --> 00:26:05,793 ♪♪ 469 00:26:05,827 --> 00:26:10,103 At the edge of the temple, Maria finds more proof -- 470 00:26:10,137 --> 00:26:11,827 Foundations of a huge structure 471 00:26:11,862 --> 00:26:14,275 That appears To surround the altar. 472 00:26:27,275 --> 00:26:29,310 ♪♪ 473 00:26:29,344 --> 00:26:31,620 Maria thinks the presence Of the amphitheater 474 00:26:31,655 --> 00:26:33,724 Confirms the ancient stories. 475 00:26:48,620 --> 00:26:51,310 ♪♪ 476 00:26:51,344 --> 00:26:55,862 The whipping ritual is more than Just a sadistic spectacle. 477 00:26:55,896 --> 00:26:58,241 Maria believes it prepares Young spartans 478 00:26:58,275 --> 00:26:59,965 For life as warriors. 479 00:27:11,344 --> 00:27:15,068 ♪♪ 480 00:27:15,103 --> 00:27:17,724 A brutal military regime 481 00:27:17,758 --> 00:27:20,655 Emerges from the ruins Of this lost city. 482 00:27:20,689 --> 00:27:23,379 ♪♪ 483 00:27:23,413 --> 00:27:27,551 From birth, spartans Are bred for hardship. 484 00:27:27,586 --> 00:27:30,655 Mothers bathe their Newborn sons in wine, 485 00:27:30,689 --> 00:27:32,620 Believing it Will make them tougher. 486 00:27:32,655 --> 00:27:34,827 ♪♪ 487 00:27:34,862 --> 00:27:36,310 [ dog barking ] 488 00:27:36,344 --> 00:27:39,551 At the age of 7, Boys must leave home 489 00:27:39,586 --> 00:27:42,034 And start their brutal Military training. 490 00:27:42,068 --> 00:27:45,758 [ men shouting ] 491 00:27:45,793 --> 00:27:49,758 Deliberately starved And exposed to the elements, 492 00:27:49,793 --> 00:27:53,862 They learn to outwit And outlast opponents in battle. 493 00:27:53,896 --> 00:27:57,689 ♪♪ 494 00:27:57,724 --> 00:27:59,689 By the age of 20, 495 00:27:59,724 --> 00:28:03,551 They're lean-and-mean Fighting machines, 496 00:28:03,586 --> 00:28:05,827 Ready to join the army Of sparta. 497 00:28:05,862 --> 00:28:08,517 ♪♪ 498 00:28:08,551 --> 00:28:10,931 Warriors rule sparta. 499 00:28:10,965 --> 00:28:15,206 It's a city feared Throughout ancient greece. 500 00:28:15,241 --> 00:28:17,034 For leonidas and his men, 501 00:28:17,068 --> 00:28:19,586 A life devoted To military training 502 00:28:19,620 --> 00:28:23,310 Builds up to one moment At thermopylae. 503 00:28:23,344 --> 00:28:26,758 Here, 300 spartans Hold their line 504 00:28:26,793 --> 00:28:32,103 And stand strong against The mighty persians, 505 00:28:32,137 --> 00:28:34,482 But on the evening Of the second day, 506 00:28:34,517 --> 00:28:37,827 The persian king xerxes Discovers a fatal flaw 507 00:28:37,862 --> 00:28:41,448 In the spartan battle plan. 508 00:28:41,482 --> 00:28:45,896 How do the persians finally Break the spartan line, 509 00:28:45,931 --> 00:28:48,413 And how do leonidas And his men respond 510 00:28:48,448 --> 00:28:50,620 When facing certain death? 511 00:28:57,482 --> 00:28:58,965 ♪♪ 512 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:03,931 Narrator: dawn on day three At the battle of thermopylae -- 513 00:29:03,965 --> 00:29:06,517 For two days, Leonidas and his men 514 00:29:06,551 --> 00:29:10,965 Have fought heroically Against impossible odds. 515 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:12,793 Now, they gear up once more 516 00:29:12,827 --> 00:29:18,137 To cut down A new persian offensive, 517 00:29:18,172 --> 00:29:21,103 But an incredible discovery From the battlefield itself 518 00:29:21,137 --> 00:29:24,862 Could reveal how the persians Finally defeat the spartans. 519 00:29:24,896 --> 00:29:28,068 ♪♪ 520 00:29:28,103 --> 00:29:29,517 At the narrow pass, 521 00:29:29,551 --> 00:29:34,137 The spartans hold strong Against the persians, 522 00:29:34,172 --> 00:29:37,068 But there's a clue that they Abandon their safe position. 523 00:29:37,103 --> 00:29:40,655 ♪♪ 524 00:29:40,689 --> 00:29:44,172 One mile to the south is a hill 525 00:29:44,206 --> 00:29:47,758 Where archaeologists discover Scores of persian arrowheads. 526 00:29:47,793 --> 00:29:51,172 ♪♪ 527 00:29:51,206 --> 00:29:56,103 The iron is corroded, But they are lethal weapons 528 00:29:56,137 --> 00:30:01,724 Designed to inflict Brutal injury. 529 00:30:01,758 --> 00:30:06,172 They're evidence of a massive Aerial barrage. 530 00:30:06,206 --> 00:30:09,206 Are these the missiles that end The battle of thermopylae? 531 00:30:09,241 --> 00:30:12,655 ♪♪ 532 00:30:12,689 --> 00:30:16,137 ♪♪ 533 00:30:16,172 --> 00:30:19,275 Ian macgregor morris thinks The arrowheads could reveal 534 00:30:19,310 --> 00:30:24,482 What happens in the final Moments of the battle. 535 00:30:24,517 --> 00:30:27,137 He's come to athens, Where the ancient finds 536 00:30:27,172 --> 00:30:30,551 Are kept in Controlled conditions. 537 00:30:30,586 --> 00:30:32,793 Morris: these arrowheads are The most significant piece 538 00:30:32,827 --> 00:30:34,620 Of tangible evidence We really have 539 00:30:34,655 --> 00:30:36,758 About what took place there. 540 00:30:36,793 --> 00:30:38,827 We see the three-winged Arrowhead, 541 00:30:38,862 --> 00:30:41,413 Which is probably the most Commonly used form of arrowhead 542 00:30:41,448 --> 00:30:43,655 In the persian army. 543 00:30:43,689 --> 00:30:46,034 The very location these were Discovered, 544 00:30:46,068 --> 00:30:49,103 It was perfectly possible That it was weapons like these, 545 00:30:49,137 --> 00:30:50,793 Maybe even some of these Weapons, 546 00:30:50,827 --> 00:30:53,758 That killed the last Of the spartans 547 00:30:53,793 --> 00:30:56,310 Pretty much as the sources Describes it. 548 00:30:56,344 --> 00:31:00,137 ♪♪ 549 00:31:00,172 --> 00:31:04,413 Narrator: the arrowheads seem to Confirm how the spartans died, 550 00:31:04,448 --> 00:31:08,275 But they don't reveal Why they die here. 551 00:31:08,310 --> 00:31:09,689 According to legend, 552 00:31:09,724 --> 00:31:13,310 The persians are handed A tactical breakthrough. 553 00:31:13,344 --> 00:31:15,931 Morris: the ancient sources tell Us of the key turning moment 554 00:31:15,965 --> 00:31:18,068 In the battle When a lone traitor 555 00:31:18,103 --> 00:31:20,310 Offers to guide xerxes Through the mountains 556 00:31:20,344 --> 00:31:23,896 In return for gold. 557 00:31:23,931 --> 00:31:25,827 Narrator: If the stories are accurate, 558 00:31:25,862 --> 00:31:30,896 Persian troops outflank The spartan position overnight. 559 00:31:30,931 --> 00:31:34,000 Does a traitor guide thousands Of heavily armed troops 560 00:31:34,034 --> 00:31:36,103 Across nine miles of mountains, 561 00:31:36,137 --> 00:31:40,206 Forcing the spartans to retreat? 562 00:31:40,241 --> 00:31:45,310 Is this really how the fighting Comes to an end? 563 00:31:45,344 --> 00:31:50,172 To figure out, ian hikes up Into the kallidromo mountains. 564 00:31:50,206 --> 00:31:54,103 He uses gps data to investigate. 565 00:31:54,137 --> 00:31:56,103 Morris: each of these points Is a marker. 566 00:31:56,137 --> 00:31:57,724 By tracking these parts, 567 00:31:57,758 --> 00:31:59,413 It's possible To determine routes 568 00:31:59,448 --> 00:32:03,206 That the persians Might've taken. 569 00:32:03,241 --> 00:32:07,241 Narrator: near the summit, He finds an old cattle trail, 570 00:32:07,275 --> 00:32:10,586 A route he thinks The persians could've taken. 571 00:32:10,620 --> 00:32:15,034 The path probably started here, Ascending this slope, 572 00:32:15,068 --> 00:32:19,000 Skirting the southern slopes Of the summit of the mountain 573 00:32:19,034 --> 00:32:22,275 And emerging here behind The greek forces in the pass. 574 00:32:22,310 --> 00:32:27,586 ♪♪ 575 00:32:27,620 --> 00:32:31,965 Narrator: the spartan phalanx Is finally outflanked. 576 00:32:32,000 --> 00:32:33,655 Facing certain death, 577 00:32:33,689 --> 00:32:36,586 Leonidas orders Almost all the allied troops 578 00:32:36,620 --> 00:32:38,965 To retreat to safety. 579 00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:41,517 But he and his spartans join The remaining allies 580 00:32:41,551 --> 00:32:46,000 To stay and fight, 581 00:32:46,034 --> 00:32:50,034 Choosing this hill For their last stand. 582 00:32:50,068 --> 00:32:52,724 Morris: Leonidas' decision to stay here 583 00:32:52,758 --> 00:32:56,482 Is the moment in history That he is being judged a hero. 584 00:32:56,517 --> 00:32:59,586 He does not want others To fall needlessly with him. 585 00:32:59,620 --> 00:33:00,862 The spartans have no choice. 586 00:33:00,896 --> 00:33:04,724 If their king stays, They stay also. 587 00:33:04,758 --> 00:33:07,137 Narrator: But there's a final question -- 588 00:33:07,172 --> 00:33:09,758 How do the persian arrows Finally break through 589 00:33:09,793 --> 00:33:13,241 The spartan defenses? 590 00:33:13,275 --> 00:33:16,103 Dr. Nic fields works With archery specialist 591 00:33:16,137 --> 00:33:20,413 Chris varigmarin to Investigate what happens next. 592 00:33:20,448 --> 00:33:21,896 Fields: so what would've Finished them off 593 00:33:21,931 --> 00:33:24,379 In those final minutes Of the battle? 594 00:33:39,551 --> 00:33:41,896 To test the power Of the persian arrows, 595 00:33:41,931 --> 00:33:45,862 Chris takes aim at a wooden Replica of a spartan shield. 596 00:33:45,896 --> 00:33:47,862 The shield is their last line Of defense 597 00:33:47,896 --> 00:33:50,758 Against thousands of archers. 598 00:33:50,793 --> 00:33:53,931 Wow. That's a good shot. 599 00:33:53,965 --> 00:33:57,206 From 50 feet, The light arrow is deadly. 600 00:33:57,241 --> 00:34:01,620 Originally, this shield had A very thin layer of bronze 601 00:34:01,655 --> 00:34:03,482 On its face, but, wow. 602 00:34:03,517 --> 00:34:07,655 That's definitely Gone through. 603 00:34:07,689 --> 00:34:11,655 At the last stand, the spartan Defenses are finally overcome. 604 00:34:24,103 --> 00:34:25,482 ♪♪ 605 00:34:25,517 --> 00:34:27,344 In a hail of arrows, 606 00:34:27,379 --> 00:34:31,448 3 days of brutal warfare Comes to a bloody end, 607 00:34:31,482 --> 00:34:36,310 Finally handing persian victory To king xerxes. 608 00:34:36,344 --> 00:34:37,931 All the evidence suggests 609 00:34:37,965 --> 00:34:40,034 That the battle stories Of the spartans 610 00:34:40,068 --> 00:34:44,517 Are based on incredible Real events at thermopylae. 611 00:34:44,551 --> 00:34:46,655 The accounts given by The ancient sources 612 00:34:46,689 --> 00:34:50,344 Are remarkable accurate. 613 00:34:50,379 --> 00:34:55,103 The legends reveal that after Slaying all the spartans, 614 00:34:55,137 --> 00:34:58,379 The persians display The severed head of leonidas 615 00:34:58,413 --> 00:35:02,793 To mark their triumph. 616 00:35:02,827 --> 00:35:05,448 With the spartan king Vanquished, 617 00:35:05,482 --> 00:35:08,827 Xerxes can now unleash The full might of his army. 618 00:35:08,862 --> 00:35:13,758 ♪♪ 619 00:35:13,793 --> 00:35:16,586 He pushes past thermopylae, 620 00:35:16,620 --> 00:35:18,551 Ravaging the greek cities In his path. 621 00:35:18,586 --> 00:35:23,896 ♪♪ 622 00:35:23,931 --> 00:35:26,241 When he finally reaches athens, 623 00:35:26,275 --> 00:35:29,275 He finds it deserted 624 00:35:29,310 --> 00:35:31,724 And burns it to the ground. 625 00:35:31,758 --> 00:35:35,034 ♪♪ 626 00:35:35,068 --> 00:35:38,344 ♪♪ 627 00:35:38,379 --> 00:35:41,620 As xerxes' invasion continues, 628 00:35:41,655 --> 00:35:46,758 The conquest of greece Looks inevitable. 629 00:35:46,793 --> 00:35:48,896 So is the last stand Of the spartans 630 00:35:48,931 --> 00:35:53,000 Just a needless display Of courage? 631 00:35:53,034 --> 00:35:55,310 Some believe that The spartan sacrifice 632 00:35:55,344 --> 00:35:59,413 Is more than Just a heroic death. 633 00:35:59,448 --> 00:36:02,137 Does the courage of the 300 At thermopylae 634 00:36:02,172 --> 00:36:04,965 Help the greeks win the war 635 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:08,724 And turn the spartans Into legends? 636 00:36:15,448 --> 00:36:17,655 ♪♪ 637 00:36:17,689 --> 00:36:20,827 Narrator: over three days At thermopylae, 638 00:36:20,862 --> 00:36:24,379 300 fearless spartans And their greek allies 639 00:36:24,413 --> 00:36:28,103 Fight and die at the hands Of a huge persian army. 640 00:36:28,137 --> 00:36:29,862 ♪♪ 641 00:36:29,896 --> 00:36:32,068 The spartan decision To go down fighting 642 00:36:32,103 --> 00:36:36,586 Looks like a futile gesture, 643 00:36:36,620 --> 00:36:41,034 But does their sacrifice Help the greeks win the war? 644 00:36:41,068 --> 00:36:44,724 A clue could lie here Off salamis, 645 00:36:44,758 --> 00:36:49,344 An island that guards The waters surrounding athens. 646 00:36:49,379 --> 00:36:51,586 Marine archaeologist Yannis lolos 647 00:36:51,620 --> 00:36:54,206 Investigates mysterious Submerged ruins 648 00:36:54,241 --> 00:36:57,482 At ampelakia bay. 649 00:36:57,517 --> 00:37:01,275 In the weeks after thermopylae, Persian naval reinforcements 650 00:37:01,310 --> 00:37:05,931 Clash here With an allied greek fleet. 651 00:37:05,965 --> 00:37:09,344 It's a vicious sea battle that Decides the outcome of the war. 652 00:37:15,620 --> 00:37:17,862 Yannis thinks The sunken remains here 653 00:37:17,896 --> 00:37:22,310 Can reveal how the allies Gain the advantage. 654 00:37:22,344 --> 00:37:25,034 He uses drone technology To help him identify 655 00:37:25,068 --> 00:37:27,206 The strange structures. 656 00:37:30,068 --> 00:37:33,241 ♪♪ 657 00:37:33,275 --> 00:37:35,586 The foundations of large Square buildings 658 00:37:35,620 --> 00:37:38,517 Stretch out into the water. 659 00:37:38,551 --> 00:37:42,379 Further into the bay, a circle Of stones comes into view. 660 00:37:54,275 --> 00:37:55,896 Yannis Thinks the ruins here 661 00:37:55,931 --> 00:37:58,724 Are part of a huge Defensive structure. 662 00:38:09,965 --> 00:38:12,517 ♪♪ 663 00:38:12,551 --> 00:38:17,000 This bay is ancient greek Naval station. 664 00:38:17,034 --> 00:38:20,172 Pottery fragments on the beach Suggest an earlier harbor 665 00:38:20,206 --> 00:38:23,620 Is operational at the time Of the invasion. 666 00:38:42,724 --> 00:38:44,827 ♪♪ 667 00:38:44,862 --> 00:38:48,344 Yannis thinks this natural Harbor conceals the greek fleet 668 00:38:48,379 --> 00:38:53,103 As the persians arrive. 669 00:38:53,137 --> 00:38:56,413 He travels to higher ground To get a defender's view. 670 00:39:14,724 --> 00:39:16,862 ♪♪ 671 00:39:16,896 --> 00:39:21,103 The hills around the harbor Block their view of the bay. 672 00:39:21,137 --> 00:39:24,241 The persians Sail into the channel 673 00:39:24,275 --> 00:39:28,344 Unaware the greeks are waiting. 674 00:39:28,379 --> 00:39:31,586 Using the same tactics As the spartans at thermopylae, 675 00:39:31,620 --> 00:39:35,827 Greek naval commanders Bottleneck the persians. 676 00:39:35,862 --> 00:39:38,793 Skilled greek marines Ram the persian ships 677 00:39:38,827 --> 00:39:43,586 And destroy their enemies In vicious hand-to-hand combat. 678 00:39:43,620 --> 00:39:45,517 Xerxes is defeated, 679 00:39:45,551 --> 00:39:49,862 And the persians retreat Back home, 680 00:39:49,896 --> 00:39:52,206 But yannis believes Ultimate greek victory 681 00:39:52,241 --> 00:39:56,275 Owes more to the 300 spartans Than just their tactics. 682 00:40:09,689 --> 00:40:12,517 The heroic spartans Sacrifice their lives 683 00:40:12,551 --> 00:40:14,965 To buy greece valuable time. 684 00:40:18,689 --> 00:40:20,310 ♪♪ 685 00:40:20,344 --> 00:40:25,448 At the heart of the battle Of thermopylae is a true story, 686 00:40:25,482 --> 00:40:30,103 One of courage and unity in The face of overwhelming odds. 687 00:40:30,137 --> 00:40:32,620 The ancient sources Were not writing myth. 688 00:40:32,655 --> 00:40:34,551 They were writing history. 689 00:40:34,586 --> 00:40:37,206 Narrator: the sacrifice Of the 300 spartans 690 00:40:37,241 --> 00:40:41,758 Helps the greeks win an epic war With persia 691 00:40:41,793 --> 00:40:44,103 And allows them to Carry on experimenting 692 00:40:44,137 --> 00:40:48,965 With a strange new idea -- Democracy. 693 00:40:49,000 --> 00:40:51,137 The battle of thermopylae Has often been seen 694 00:40:51,172 --> 00:40:53,862 As a turning point In western civilization. 695 00:40:53,896 --> 00:40:56,448 ♪♪ 696 00:40:56,482 --> 00:40:59,896 The spartans hold off An entire persian army 697 00:40:59,931 --> 00:41:05,379 In a battle that has its roots In a city unlike any other 698 00:41:05,413 --> 00:41:09,034 And a mysterious temple In the mountains. 699 00:41:09,068 --> 00:41:12,206 They fall in a rain of arrows, 700 00:41:12,241 --> 00:41:15,241 But their glorious defeat On the shores of greece 701 00:41:15,275 --> 00:41:18,551 Lives on in legend. 702 00:41:18,586 --> 00:41:22,310 The spartans are true heroes Of the ancient world. 703 00:41:22,344 --> 00:41:27,620 ♪♪ 704 00:41:27,655 --> 00:41:32,931 ♪♪ 705 00:41:32,965 --> 00:41:38,206 ♪♪ 706 00:41:38,241 --> 00:41:43,482 ♪♪ 707 00:41:43,517 --> 00:41:48,793 ♪♪ 708 00:41:48,827 --> 00:41:54,103 ♪♪ 54600

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