Herodotus s Depiction Of The Battle Of Thermopylae

Ramsey Parra LLRN 151 – 01 300 Scholars, artists, authors, and filmmakers in recent years have been interested in Herodotus’s depiction of the Battle of Thermopylae, creating several different versions and interpretations of the story across multiple forms of media. The legendary battle of Thermopylae, in 480 B.C.E, demonstrated the strength, courage and bravery of the Spartan Army that went up against the Persians. The Spartans held off the Persian army of Xerxes for two days until their position was flanked by a secret trail. However, in the face of unbeatable odds and with the knowledge of a victory being almost impossible, they fought with the utmost confidence in themselves and proved that the Spartan army was one of the strongest armies in Greece, even though they were eventually defeated. Although, some of the representations of the battle in today’s media do not accurately tell the same story that Herodotus did. Frank Miller and Zack Snyder depict the Battle of Thermopylae with more action a nd entertainment in their versions to appeal to a larger audience. Thus, by analyzing Herodotus’ description of The Battle of Thermopylae, as well as Miller’s and Snyder’s versions, today’s media have portrayed the original story differently in order to captivate a larger audience. In all versions of the Battle of Thermopylae, Leonidas and the Spartan army are seen as tough soldiers who grew up under harsh conditions. Spartans typically leave home to begin training on theirShow MoreRelatedThe Persian Invasion Of Greece3806 Words   |  16 PagesThrough the manuscripts of Herodotus, an ancient historian who hailed from the mountainous lands of Greece, modern day historians have been granted the ability to piece together the multitude of events that supposedly transpired during the years 480 and 479 BC between the Persian empire and the city-states of the classical Greece (Herodotus). The second Persian invasion of Greece, which took place in the previousl y mentioned years, was a part of the many series of battles and encounters that made upRead MoreMovie Analysis : V For Vendetta2610 Words   |  11 Pagesadaptation. These films often face criticism, however, of the fact that historical accuracy often gives way to anachronisms in the name of entertainment. Zack Snyder s adaptation of the graphic novel 300, and James McTeigue s adaptation of V for Vendetta are no exceptions to criticisms of historical accuracy. However, while Zack Snyder s 300 is an attempt to recreate history, and does so in a dramatic, stylized, exaggerated, and biased fashion, V for Vendetta echoes history and uses it as a way toRead MoreMovie Analysis : Hollywood 3558 Words   |  15 Pagesduring the Battle of Thermopylae during the Second Persian invasion of Greece, and revolves around the character King Leonidas and his army of 300 in their attempts to drive the Persians away from Sparta. For this movie Snyder interpreted the graphic novel of the same name b y Frank Miller, who in turn interpreted the writings of Herodotus in his Histories to create 300. Snyder combined modern action with history and has provided his own take on the events that occurred at Thermopylae, which hasRead MoreThe Athenian And Roman Empires7856 Words   |  32 Pagesby Oliver, Day, and Oudot.22 If one follows the second camp and places the two works nearly two decades apart from one another, one could possibly infer a change in Aristides’ views, especially after a decade of inactivity and subsequent legal battles regarding public offices in Smyrna.23 If one were to follow Behr’s dating scheme, one could see either a pragmatic literary craftsman who catered his orations to the needs and desires of different audiences or an