Classical Studies 1000 Lecture 7: Week 7 Notes

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Christopher Brown

Document Summary

A serious attempt by xerxes, son of darius, to finish off his father"s campaign in greece. Has a huge force, though the actual size is controversial. Supposedly 1207 triremes (warship with three banks of oars. Especially used for ramming other ships) and 100,000 men. An oracle given to athens to flee, but a later one said to trust in wooden walls". Athenian statesman themistocles uses oracle to support the promotion of an athenian navy; his own agenda, but which interpreted the wooden walls" as ships. (oracles always ambiguous need interpretation). Greeks form an alliance with spartans in command. Battle of thermopylae (thermopylae lit = hot gates". Greece): spartan group of soldiers led by leonidas, one of their kings, hold the pass for two days before eventually overcome. Their bravery is glorified and becomes a rallying cry for greece. (epitaph for spartans is laconic [spartans famous for saying little].