Talk:Gates of Fire

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I only read the book once, a few years back, but if I remember correctly the actual size of the Spartan army was several thousand men, not just 300. 300 was how many Spartans fought in each company, and the number of men who could choke the pass at any one time. They alternated ranks; when the first 300 tired, they would drop back behind the sheilds of those behind them, who would move forward, and so on... I think that in the book, if not historically, i remember there being about 5 or 6 thousand Spartans altogether. Of course, they did all still die either way.

````Jokimoto

In response.

I've read the book a few times and I think your memories may be a little hazy Jokimoto. Leonidas leads 300 chosen Spartan warriors to the Gates of Fire and along the way they collect around 6000 warriors from other Greek city states. When this small force is flanked by the Persians Leonidas sends the other Greeks away but the Thespians decide to stay and die with their comrades. (There's also an Athenian lead fleet at sea protecting the beaches further South)

Several months after the battle the full Spartan army with it's allies meets and defeats the Persians. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.152.140.149 (talk) 13:11, 24 November 2007 (UTC)