Last Stand of the 300 (2007) - full transcript

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