Central Greece

Military History
137

War Classics – Thermopylae: The Battle for the West

Fred Chiaventone recalls one of the great works of military history

Minerva
193

Words of wisdom: ‘Give to him who gives’

For the man who gives willingly, even if he gives much, rejoices in the gift and feels glad in his heart. The man who takes for himself, observing no sense of shame, even if it involves a small amount, hardens the heart.

The Persian Army: ABOVE Central Asia was the home of the horse archer, and Xerxes’s army is likely to have included large contingents. Above right Archers were numerous in Persian armies, most of them fighting on foot without armour so much so that they became, for the Greeks, representative of the Persian enemy in general, as on this fine red figure vase painting. Right The Immortals were the elite shock infantry of Ancient Persian armies. This depiction is from a relief sculpture on the walls of the royal city of Persepolis. Far right Persian armies were strong in cavalry, including heavy shock cava lry, but these were of little value on such a constricted battlefield as Thermopylae.

Military History
89

Last stand: Thermopylae

Continuing his occasional series on legendary last stands, American military historian Fred Chiaventone recounts the Spartan defence of the Hot Gates in 480 BC.