Blog Number 145 - 'The Greco-Persian Wars' by Peter Green

In Blog Number 89, I mentioned the books written by Herodotus who is known as the father of history. Since Herodotus is the primary author of the Greek-Persian Wars and in particular the Battle of Thermopylae, all subsequent books have referenced his works.

In my opinion, Peter Green's book 'The Greco-Persian Wars' is one of the most informative books ever written about the Persian invasions of Greece. Herodotus' account of the number of warriors in the Persian army has been discounted by many authors and scholars, however, Professor Green's theory that there were between 210,000-300,000 infantrymen is probably one of the most plausible.

If you have read Frank Miller's '300', this is one book that I would highly recommend!

Blog Number 144 - The Spartan Rhetra

The Spartan Rhetra are the laws written by Lycurgus whom I mentioned in Blog Number 143. It took me quite a while to obtain this book, however, it was well worth the wait because it contains a wealth of information for those who are interested in Sparta and her military, economic and social policies.

Some of the examples that Lycurgus wrote about which are included in this book are that the Spartiates should wear crimson-colored tunics and that they should wear their hair long in the belief that it would make them look more taller and more terrifying.

Blog Number 143 - Lycurgus, father of Sparta

The laws that were followed by the citizens of Sparta were said to be written by Lycurgus, the legendary lawgiver, however, it is not known whether he really existed.

What is known is that Lycurgus or a composite lawgiver is responsible for the iron code of rules by which King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans trained to perfection.

Blog Number 142 - 'The 300 Spartans' bootleg

Here's a copy of a VHS bootleg of 'The 300 Spartans' which my good friend Pete gave to me a couple of years ago before the movie was re-released on DVD. I hadn't seen the movie in quite a few years, therefore, after I received it, I must have seen it more times in one week than I did all the times previously combined.

Frank Miller has stated that this movie was what inspired him to write '300'.

Thanks Pete!!!

Blog Number 141 - Daily Kos blogger mentions the '300' Spartans

One of the most visible and political blogs on the internet, Daily Kos had an overview of the 300 Spartans and the Battle of Thermopylae which appeared January 12th, 2006.

Since my blog is apolitical, I included the the link because the battle is neatly condensed into eight paragraphs.

Blog Number 140 - One of the reasons why Ephialtes was not part of the '300' Spartans' phalanx

If you had a chance to view Video Journal #2, you will notice that the character Ephialtes had a difficult time holding his shield in the correct position.

According to Frank Miller's version of the Battle of Thermopylae, it was Ephialtes' inability to hold his shield which was the primary reason King Leonidas wouldn't allow him to stand in line with the other Spartans. Since the phalanx depended on the regimented cohesiveness of the unit, one warrior's ineffectiveness could lead the phalanx into disarray.

Blog Number 139 - Another historical element added to Frank Miller's '300'

While reviewing the IMDB credited cast for '300', another interesting character appeared. The role of the 'free Greek baker' played by Marcel Jeannin had originated not with the Frank Miller comics, however, this character is one who had been added to flesh out the story.

There were other Greek city-states who fought at Thermopylae besides Sparta, therefore, this character is a great addition to the movie. In Blog Number 119, I mentioned the other city-states that fought along with King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans. I believe that the 'free Greek baker' is one of the approximately 900 helots who were present at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.