04-06-2007, 11:39 AM
Spartan JKM
So why does Leonidas deserve to be in TIER 3.
He lost the only significant battle he ever fought, was not noted as being involved in any of the strategic decisions of the campaign, etc. Take away Herodotus’s post victory pro-Spartan, pro-hoplite, pro-aristocratic tendencies and I don’t see how he compares to Memnon of Rhodes, Brasidas or Iphicrates too pick a few other T3 names. I don’t have my Polyaneus handy but unlike the other 3 I just noted I think it’s interesting that (as far as I recall) no body of tactics or quotes accumulated to Leonidas unlike other of your TIER 3commanders.
Sure he died for country but remember what Patton is supposed to have said (in loose paraphrase): don’t die for your country …make the other dumb SOB die for his country…
So why does Leonidas deserve to be in TIER 3.
He lost the only significant battle he ever fought, was not noted as being involved in any of the strategic decisions of the campaign, etc. Take away Herodotus’s post victory pro-Spartan, pro-hoplite, pro-aristocratic tendencies and I don’t see how he compares to Memnon of Rhodes, Brasidas or Iphicrates too pick a few other T3 names. I don’t have my Polyaneus handy but unlike the other 3 I just noted I think it’s interesting that (as far as I recall) no body of tactics or quotes accumulated to Leonidas unlike other of your TIER 3commanders.
Sure he died for country but remember what Patton is supposed to have said (in loose paraphrase): don’t die for your country …make the other dumb SOB die for his country…
Paul Klos
\'One day when I fly with my hands -
up down the sky,
like a bird\'
\'One day when I fly with my hands -
up down the sky,
like a bird\'
