Most people would have no idea where Thermopylae is. But if I mention this is the site where the Greeks held the narrow pass for 3 days with Spartan King Leonidas fighting with the Persians in the Hollywood movie “300”, then perhaps you’ll have a better idea where Thermopylae is. Although the Persians eventually took control of the pass, the heroic defeat of King Leonidas became a legend.
After visiting Delphi in the morning that day, we stopped for lunch before we continued the journey to Meteora.
The “Symposium” a nice restaurant with large courtyard.
We ordered a simple Greek dish named moussaka.
My son befriended with a baby in the restaurant.
A statue of King Leonidas was erected in 1955 by the sculptor named Venos Fallireas. The brass statue of Leonidas holds a spear and shield in the middle.
Actually before this monument was erected, the ancient Greeks erected a monument bearing the well-known Simonides’ epigram: “O stranger, send the news home to the people of Sparta that here we are laid to rest: the commands they gave us have been obeyed.” A stone lion was also built to remember the name of the king that died in this location. But today, neither the rock lion or Simonides epigram is saved.
On the right and left are the marble figures of the personified Taigetos, which is the highest mountain in the Peloponese and the personified Evrotas which is a river flowing through the whole district of Laconia.
Thermopylae has been the site of several battles due to it is the only land route large enough to bear any significant traffic from north to south along the east coast of the Balkan peninsular. A main highway now splits the pass.
Until today, the battle of Thermopylae is used as an example of the power of a patriotic army defending its native soil. It has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.
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