You might have heard of the movie 300, or if not, maybe heard the sentence: "This is SPARTA". The movie is built behind the history of when King Leonidas led 300 hundred Spartans to fight the Persians. Leonidas was a military and political leader, and had been trained cruelly in a camp to become a Spartan warrior since 7, like all other boys. When they were informed about the Persian invasion, Sparta prepared themselves for war against the Persians. Leonidas had picked out the best of the Spartan warriors, and strategically decided the battle place would be Thermopylae, a narrow mountain pass, so the Persians no longer have an advantage in number (7,000 versus 100,000!!). Does it already sound like a suicide mission to you? Leonidas led his 300 Spartans and his allies into battle, but all of the 300 Spartans and Leonidas perished, and most of their allies were killed.
The leader's sacrifice did not stop the Persians, however the Persians were eventually defeated. The sacrifice Leonidas made showed how much they were willing to do to protect the Greek region. He achieved fame from his sacrifice. Dead heroes were worshiped, and a shrine was built in honor of Leonidas. 
Even though the Spartans perished, they still had a strong military. In fact, the thing Spartans cared about the most was military strength. If you were a Spartan, the world you live in would be to kill, or get killed. Infants were even judged, and those not strong enough were left to die. Young boys were taught to be killing machines. It was a cruel and inhuman place. And through all this training, bravery, and honor led these Spartans into their last stand without trepidation against the mighty Persian army.
If history could be changed, what do you think the Spartans should've done, or done the same? What do you think could’ve caused the Spartans to have a better civilization? And how do you think you would do as a Spartan warrior?
I never knew this actually! And it seems like the Spartans were very brave! Training cruelly in a camp for years must have been really tough! I don't think I could handle that. I wouldn't be a good Spartan warrior physically, but maybe I have a better chance mentally. I wonder why Leonidas and his army perished when they had a good strategy. Maybe I would bring more people to fight the Persians. Do you know if Leonidas had more Spartans that he didn't use in the fight?
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Leonidas and his army all were killed was because they were eventually surrounded. I believe Leonidas only had 300 Spartans because Sparta was on a holiday where they could not fight, so those Spartans blocked the path to the Athens, where they were heading. They blocked that path for many days. I hope you learned more about this subject! :P
DeleteI have watched the movie 300 and the second one 300 rise of an empire and I love both of them. I can't believe that the Spartans are based on strength from a very early age. For me I think that smartness matter more because you know more strategies and you can fight better. Have you watched the 300 movies?.
ReplyDeleteI have not watched the movies, I've only heard of it. Maybe some day I should watch it. They were pretty smart for the battle grounds they chose, but I think the Spartans should've not focused so much on military strength, kind of like how you said.
DeleteMarie, your writing skills are excellent. You make this so fun to read...thank you!
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