THERMOPYLAE (region in Eastern Locris)
Ancient fortified passage in central Greece
- Kind of place
- Region
- Region
- Eastern Locris
- Landmarks
- Basins Herodotus 7.176.3
- Where
- 38.80° N, 22.54° E
At Thermopylae, the mountain forms a peak with acute and abrupt rocks reaching the sea. Strabo 9.4.12 Warm springs used for bathing are located within this pass. Herodotus 7.176.3 A battle against the Persians took place at this site. Pausanias 3.14.1
Described in the sources
Leonidas and three hundred Lacedaemonians met Xerxes at this location to block his army, where they were killed. Herodotus 8.71.1 +4 Thermopylae is located near the stronghold of Nicaea on the Locrian sea. Strabo 9.4.13 +1 The location known as Pyle is also referred to by the names Thermopylae, Pylae, and straits. Strabo 9.3.7 +1 Greek forces from various cities were mustered at this location to confront the invading barbarians. Pausanias 10.20.3 +1 Hot springs located near the straits are considered sacred to Heracles, and an altar dedicated to him stands nearby. Herodotus 7.176.3 +1 Thermopylae leaves a narrow passage for travel between Thessaly and Locris, which the Greeks chose to defend because it was narrower than the route into Thessaly. Herodotus 7.175.1 +1 It is situated in the region of Hellas. Herodotus 8.66.2 A storm killed some people at this location. Herodotus 8.66.2 Thermopylae is located near the Polyandrium. Strabo 9.4.2 The Laconian disaster occurred at this location. Herodotus 8.66.1
Stories and history
Leonidas and his men died while defending this location against the barbarians. Herodotus 8.71.1 +1 The enemy army bypassed this position by taking a path across Oeta to surround the Greeks. Pausanias 10.22.8 +1 Mardonius and Xerxes cut off Leonidas's head here. Herodotus 9.78.3 The Lacedaemonians suffered a defeat at this location. Pausanias 3.5.5 The head of Leonidas was placed on a pole at this site. Herodotus 9.78.3 Lacedaemonians made an effort to save Greece at this site. Pausanias 7.15.3 Athenians performed a glorious exploit against the Gauls here. Pausanias 7.15.3 The Greek army marched to this spot after leaving the Isthmus. Herodotus 7.177.1 The first of five pillars at Thermopylae bears an inscription. Strabo 9.4.2 A torrent of water from the earthquake flowed toward Thermopylae. Strabo 1.3.20