Thermopylae

For a more detailed analysis of this composition, please visit the Thermopylae Gallery just below.

480 B.C.E. The battle of Thermopylae was fought between a coalition of Hellenic (Ancient Greek) forces lead by a contingent of roughly 300 Spartan Hoplites against the multinational invasion forces of the Persian King Xerxes I. Although this small Hellenic coalition eventually suffered a total defeat, outnumbered nearly 1000 to 1, for three days they held back the Persian invasion force, inflicting significant and demoralizing damage to the Persians and their allies.

Above is a single frame of action from the morning of the third and final day of combat, as described by the Hellenic historian Herodotus. The Spartan King Leonidas I, somewhere between 52-58 years old at the time and wounded over six times in the previous two days of skirmishes, was finally killed by a Persian arrow to the neck. A legendary melee then ensued for the body of the King; the Persians ravenous to loot the corpse for the King's priceless armor and to possess the body as a trophy; the Spartans desperate to defend the honor and dignity of their fallen patriarch. For a more detailed breakdown of this composition, please visit the Thermopylae Gallery.

Giclee Prints Available