In his writing The Histories, Herodotus recorded the Battle of Thermopylae, which is considered an arduous and notable battle in western history. Herodotus, a highly significant historian from the 5th century B.C., portrays various aspects of the battle in this primary source. These include highlighting Xerxes’ superstitious and tyrannical nature, providing informative insights into Spartan culture, promoting Greek society’s values, and emphasizing the significance of the Persian invasion on Greek development encompassing political and intellectual expansion.
The Persian King Xerxes had confidence in his powerful army and believed conquering Greece would be effortless. Herodotus, a respected historian from the 5th century B.C., is praised for his meticulous compilation of materials and his renowned work, The Histories. The invaluable knowledge about the western world that historians gather and understand can largely be attributed to Herodotus’ writings in The Histories.
The author provides us with well-crafted depictions of the Greek and Persian conflict, offering a vivid understanding of the events that took place during these demanding wars. For instance, during Xerxes’ invasion of Greece, he inquires a native Greek if they are prepared to resist. The Greek responds, “…Those who reside in any Dorian land are brave, but my words concern only the Lacedaemonians. Firstly, under any circumstances, they will never agree to your terms that would enslave Greece. Additionally, they are certain to engage in battle with you, even if all other Greeks comply with your wishes.”
The boy argues that it is not important to know how many soldiers there are, as their determination and pride will determine their success in battle. Even if only a thousand soldiers show up, they will still fight against you. Herodotus’s writings offer a detailed account of these war strategies, highlighting the unbeatable nature of the Spartans and the overconfidence of the Persians.
In his work The Histories, Herodotus immortalizes the renowned conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, showcasing his remarkable insights. Within the primary source, numerous instances depict Xerxes as both superstitious and tyrannical. His irrationality is evident in several examples presented; he expresses disdain towards the Greeks’ perceived foolish approach to warfare. Furthermore, he fails to recognize the unwavering determination of the Spartans, displaying illogical and stubborn behavior by underestimating his adversaries’ strengths.
The incident in which Xerxes states, “Let them be five thousand, and we shall have more than a thousand men to each one of theirs. If, indeed, like our troops, they had a single master, their fear of him might make them courageous beyond their natural bent; or they might be urged by lashes against an enemy which far outnumbered them. But left to their own free choice, assuredly they will act differently” illustrates Xerxes’ cruel and tyrannical control over his troops. This also demonstrates Xerxes’ belief that the greater number of men he has, the more dominant his army will become.
Xerxes fails to acknowledge the Greeks’ bravery and strong ability to fight together, despite their illogical behavior. The battle events provide insights into Spartan culture and lifestyle. The Spartan society emphasized authority, leading young men to undergo military training and become obedient individuals. Spartans engaged in rigorous physical activities and maintained a healthy, balanced diet, ultimately benefiting them in times of war.
According to Demaratus, the Lacedaemonians are exceptional fighters both individually and as a group. They believe in obeying the law above all else and fear it more than Xerxes’ subjects fear him. The law commands them to never flee from battle, regardless of the number of enemies they face, and instead stand firm and either conquer or die. Within Spartan culture, bravery is mandatory and individuals are required to fight or die for their culture. As a result, Spartan soldiers are known for their exceptional physical fitness and training, as demonstrated in their courageous and victorious battle at Thermopylae.
Herodotus’ narrative emphasized several values of Greek society. According to Demaratus, Greece is the first kingdom and town in Greece, with the bravest men. The people of Greece highly value their freedom, laws, and a strong military. They also prioritize their well-being and moral values. Herodotus promotes the Greek society for its obedience and courage. The Persian invasion greatly impacted Greek politics and intellectual growth. After defeating the Persians, the Greeks assumed leadership against them.
This was the establishment of the Delian League, a confederation. The Athenians promoted a new imperial policy, with Pericles, an aristocrat, becoming influential in politics. Athens sought to expand its democracy and grow its empire in other nations. The Persian invasions affected the political and intellectual progress of the Greeks. They joined with the growing popular imperialism abroad and their ongoing pursuit of democracy.
The battle of Thermopylae from Herodotus’ The Histories was a significant and extraordinary battle in the history of the western world. Herodotus’ writing vividly portrays this exceptional battle and provides insight into Greek society and the powerful Spartan army. Studying and reading about this battle can offer valuable knowledge. It teaches us that victory does not always depend on the number of men but on the courage and determination to overcome any challenge.
