Lies about the Battle of Thermopylae. Why we should call it “1000” and not “300”

The recent movie “300” is based on the comic book and shouldn’t be treated as historically accurate. Unfortunately newspapers and TV are using “300” as a valid source of information about the battle! We can read that: “300 Spartans held out against the armies of the Persian emperor Xerxes” or “King Leonidas, who leads just “300” Spartans against Xerxes and his massive army of decadent Persians – all to protect Western democracy.” Hold on a second! Do not mix what is promising to be a great movie with history! Have we all forgotten about 700 Thespians and 6,000 other Greek allies fighting in the battle! OK out of the initial 7,000-strong Greek army, all but over 1,000 were dismissed on the third day. Why?

Late on the second day of battle Leonidas received a windfall: a Malian Greek traitor offered to guide the Persian army through the pass around Thermopylae. King had stationed 1,000 Phocian volunteers on the heights to guard that path. Unfortunately they were surprised by the Persians and had not held. Council of war was called. During the council some Greeks argued for withdrawal in the face of the overwhelming Persian advance, while others pledged to stay. After the council, many of the Greek forces did choose to withdraw.

Spartan and Thespian Hoplites

The Spartans had pledged themselves to fight to the death, while the Thebans were held as hostage against their will. However, a contingent of about 700 Thespians refused to leave with the other Greeks, but cast their lot with the Spartans. So the King of Sparta had nearly 1500 soldiers. Until today we don’t know how many Thespians and Thebans died in the battle. Unknown and unremembered by most: 1,000 to 2,000 Helots (Spartan slaves) died fighting alongside their masters in the last stand.

And what about clashes of civilisation and protecting Western Democracy? I don’t think so. Persian empire hired and paid people regardless of their sex or ethnicity, whereas in fifth-century Greece less than 14% of the population participated in democratic government, and nearly 37% of the population were slaves. Sparta was a military monarchy, not a democracy, and collectively owned slaves (the Helots).

Having this in mind enjoy the movie!