01-23-2009, 01:16 PM
They certainly did, though there might have been other reasons. Regarding the prophecy of the Oracle, being surrounded or ordered so by the king.
And surrendering after retreating to the hill then they would be turned into slaves for Persia most probably. At Spacteria they might know that this wouldn't happen?
Or the most probable reason in my view: leaving their kings body might be the most dishonourable thing for a Hippeis to do.
Though we will never know for sure.
And yes, not to forget the Thespians and helots. What I really like from the last stand is the fact that the Spartans and Thespians, presumably, exchanged cloaks.
And surrendering after retreating to the hill then they would be turned into slaves for Persia most probably. At Spacteria they might know that this wouldn't happen?
Or the most probable reason in my view: leaving their kings body might be the most dishonourable thing for a Hippeis to do.
Though we will never know for sure.
And yes, not to forget the Thespians and helots. What I really like from the last stand is the fact that the Spartans and Thespians, presumably, exchanged cloaks.
"Go and tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here obedient to their laws we lie." -Thermopylae
Peter
Peter
