Invasion of Xerxes at Thermopylai

Set of vocabulary flashcards related to the Invasion of Xerxes at Thermopylai, covering definitions, key events, and themes.

Magi

Priests who interpreted dreams and omens for Persian kings.

Olive-wreath vision

A dream symbolizing Xerxes’ belief in world domination.

Athos canal

A man-made channel dug by Persians to avoid a dangerous sea route.

Strymon River bridge

A Persian engineering project allowing army movement across terrain.

Supply depots

Stored food along the invasion route to support the army.

Artemision

Naval position where Greeks coordinated with Thermopylai defense.

Trachis

Region near Thermopylai where Persian forces camped.

Amphiktyonic council

Religious-political group connected to Greek sacred sites.

Hydarnes

Commander of Persian forces sent through the mountain path.

Megistias

Greek seer who predicted defeat at Thermopylai.

Xerxes’ dream

Convinced him he was destined to rule the world.

Infrastructure before invasion

Built to demonstrate power and ensure army movement and supply.

Artabanus’ warning

Logistics and environment (land and sea) would destroy the army.

Xerxes’ rejection of warning

Believed success comes from taking risks and bold action.

Thermopylai choice

Chosen over Thessaly due to being narrower and easier to defend.

Coordination of defense

Thermopylai (land) and Artemision (sea) positioned close together.

Spartan observation

Spartans calmly grooming themselves, preparing for death.

Xerxes’ delay

Delayed attack expecting Greeks to retreat due to fear.

Spartan fighting style

Used discipline, tactics, and feigned retreats.

Ephialtes’ reveal

Led to Persians surrounding Greeks and ensuring defeat.

Xerxes’ invasion hubris

Believed he could control nature and conquer all lands.

Strategic importance of Thermopylai

Limited Persian numbers and neutralized cavalry advantage.

Greek alliance weakness

Weakened due to fear and lack of unity.

Leonidas’ choice

Stayed to fulfill Spartan duty and preserve honor.

Ephialtes’ betrayal impact

Removed Greek defensive advantage completely.

Importance of Thermopylai despite defeat

Inspired Greek resistance and delayed Persian advance.

Xerxes vs Artabanus mindset

Xerxes is ambitious and confident; Artabanus is cautious and realistic.

Spartan vs Persian military approaches

Spartans relied on discipline and tactics; Persians relied on numbers.

Theme of fate vs choice

Xerxes believes in destiny, while Greeks act based on strategy and duty.

Theme of sacrifice at Thermopylai

Greeks knowingly fought to death to defend their homeland.