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Questions and Answers
Why did Leonidas choose to camp at and defend the "middle gate" at Thermopylae?
Leonidas chose to camp at and defend the "middle gate" at Thermopylae because it was the narrowest part of the pass and therefore an ideal defensive position for the Greek style of warfare.
What was the major weak point for the Greeks in defending the pass at Thermopylae?
The major weak point for the Greeks in defending the pass at Thermopylae was the mountain track which led across the highland parallel to the pass.
Why was the terrain of the battlefield at Thermopylae unfamiliar to Xerxes and his forces?
The terrain of the battlefield at Thermopylae was unfamiliar to Xerxes and his forces because it was not the typical terrain that they were accustomed to in their Persian homeland.
Study Notes
- In 480 BC, the Persian army advanced towards Greece.
- The Spartans, de facto military leaders of the alliance, were celebrating the festival of Carneia, which forbade military activity.
- Leonidas I took 300 men to block the pass at Thermopylae, awaiting the arrival of the main Spartan army.
- The Persian army was sighted across the Malian Gulf approaching Thermopylae, and the Greeks held a council of war.
- Leonidas chose to camp at and defend the "middle gate", the narrowest part of the pass of Thermopylae.
- The pass at Thermopylae was ideally suited to the Greek style of warfare.
- The major weak point for the Greeks was the mountain track which led across the highland parallel to Thermopylae.
- The pass was 100 metres wide, probably wider than the Greeks could have held against the Persian masses.
- The terrain of the battlefield was nothing that Xerxes and his forces were accustomed to.
- The pass still is a natural defensive position to modern armies, and British Commonwealth forces in World War II made a defence in 1941 against the Nazi invasion mere metres from the original battlefield.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made a stand against the mighty Persian army. Discover the strategic decisions made by both sides, the terrain of the battlefield, and the impact of this historic battle. Can you answer questions on one of the most famous battles in history? Take the quiz now and find out! Keywords: Battle of Thermopylae, Leonidas, Spartans, Persian army, historic battle.
