Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Thermopylae pass - where Spartan King Leonidas and a contingent of 300 Spartans who were betrayed and killed - will become the focus of an archaeological park to circle the wider area of the famous battle.
In 480 B.C., the track wide enough only for one chariot, extended along the shore of the Malian Gulf. Today it is moved by sedimentation a few kilometres inland. However, the battlefield described by Herodotus remains virtually unchanged and fully recognizable. What is more, the archaeological area is identified -and defined - by thousands of arrowheads and other objects found on the site of one of the most symbolic battles in history.
The central monument will be the statue of Leonidas, already in place. It will continue to inspire Greeks and non-Greeks alike, giving moral lessons in courage, patriotism, and sacrifice.
