Thermopylae 480 BC: Last stand of the 300 (Campaign)

Osprey's study of the most epic battles of the Greco-Persian Wars (502-449 BC). Thermopylae resonates throughout history as a battle involving extreme courage and sacrifice. It was in this rocky pass in northern Greece that Leonidas, king of the Spartans and commander-in-chief of the Greek force, delayed the Persian hordes for three days against overwhelming odds. Finally overcome by treachery, the remaining Spartans refused to retreat in the face of inevitable defeat, being slaughtered by the elite Persian 'Immortals' down to the last man. Nic Fields vividly describes the battle for the narrow gateway to southern Greece as the combined Greek forces held off the army of Xerxes and Leonidas's sacrifice bought time for the retreat and tactical and political regrouping that would save Greece. Full color artwork, detailed maps and dramatic battle scenes complement clear and authoritative text to provide an in-depth analysis of one of the most famous acts of sheer courage and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds in history. Related Titles 978 1 84176 000 1 CAM 108 Marathon 490 BC 978 1 85532 659 0 ELI 66 The Spartan Army 978 1 84176 358 3 ESS 36 The Greek and Persian Wars 499-386 BC An authoritative re-telling of one of the greatest tales of heroism of all time and a decisive moment for the history of the world, Leonidas and the 300 Spartans' fight to the death against overwhelming Persian forces preserved the future of Greece and the golden age of classical civilization. Nic Fields vividly describes the battle for the pass of Thermopylae as the combined Greek forces held off the army of Xerxes, buying time for a retreat which would save Greece. Lavishly illustrated and with full-colour artwork, detailed maps and dramatic battle scenes, this is an in-depth analysis of one of the most famous acts of resolute defence in the face of overwhelming odds Military History - Ancient ISBN,978,184176,180,0 ISBN 978 184176 180 0