Bret Devereaux

that movie was made in hollywood i am not using it as reference we need to be clear on that

The linked post (it's my linked post) is not a discussion of 300, but a discussion of the Spartans. I'm an ancient historian, with a doctorate. I cite my sources throughout that series.

In any case, your comments at the top of the thread (https://twitter.com/unit_099/status/1374884091838005252 …) are just wrong. Herodotus is our nearest, bestsource and he is very clear that the allied Greek plan was to force a decisive engagement at Thermopylae which would win and hold the pass indefinitely.

That operational objective clearly was not met. The Allied Greek army was defeated, the Spartan contingent was destroyed and as a direct consequence, Athens was sacked and Thebes surrendered. It was a strategic and operational disaster.

Herodotus is clear on this point, noting that (Hdt. 7.206.2) "They [the Spartans], not expecting the war at Thermopylae to be decided so quickly, sent only the advanced force." You can actually puzzle out how foolish this was if you work out the dates.

The Carneia doesn't seem to have been over before the battle (Herodotus speaks of Spartan intentions to leave Sparta, but not them actually leaving (Hdt. 7.206.1)). But by road, Thermopylae is more than 150 miles from Sparta. At least ten days marching.

So Leonidas' problem is 'how do I hold the pass for 15+ days before my army arrives' and he managed...three days. Not a great plan.