![]() ![]() When his soldiers complained that the barbarians were firing so many arrows at them that the sun was blocked out, Leonidas replied: Truth, soon we shall either kill the barbarians or else we are bound to be killed ourselves." "They say that the barbarian has come near and is coming on while we are wasting time. When Leonidas arrived at Thermopylae he said to his comrades in arms: Mechanical Curator Collection / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain The source for these quotations is the 1931 edition of the Loeb Classical Library on Bill Thayer's Lacus Curtius site. As well as the sentiments, some of the actual lines may be familiar to you from the movies. 45–125 CE), the important biographer of Greek and Roman men, also wrote a book on sayings of famous Spartans (in Greek, with the Latin title "Apophthegmata Laconica").īelow you will find the quotations attributed by Plutarch to Leonidas, related to his going off to war against the Persians. Thanks to the 300 movies, many who would otherwise not be aware of him now know his name. Plutarch (c. In 480 BCE, a key battle waged by the forces of Darius I's son Xerxes was fought at Thermopylae. invaded Greece and were held off for seven long days by Leonidas and a small Greek soldiers including the famous 300 Spartans. The Persian War was a 50 year series of conflicts between the Greeks and the Persians, for control of the Mediterranean. Leonidas (Mid 6th century–480 BCE) was the king of Sparta who led the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE). “THIS IS SPARTA.Quotations from the Greek hero Leonidas resound of bravery and a foreknowledge of his doom. ![]() “Give them nothing! But take from them everything!” King Leonidas: Well, let’s give them something to drink! To the cliffs! “Unless I miss my guess, we’re in for one wild night.” An age of freedom, and all will know, that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it!” And by Spartan law we will stand and fight… and die. “Children, gather round! No retreat, no surrender that is Spartan law. Each Spartan protects the man to his left from thigh to neck with his shield.” “Your father should have taught you how our phalanx works. “The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant, that few stood against many, and before this battle was over, even a god-king can bleed.” King Leonidas: It would take more than the words of a drunken adolescent girl to rob me of my desire of you. Queen Gorgo: Your lips can finish what your fingers have started… or has the Oracle robbed you of your desire as well? If they assassinate me, all of Sparta goes to war. King Leonidas: The ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’ speech King Leonidas: Clearly you don’t know our women! I might as well have marched them up here, judging by what I’ve seen. Picture it reduced to ash at my whim! Consider the fate of your women! Consider the beautiful land you so vigorously defend. Xerxes: You Greeks take pride in your logic. King Leonidas: And I would die for any one of mine. Imagine what horrible fate awaits my enemies when I would gladly kill any of my own men for victory. Xerxes: It isn’t wise to stand against me, Leonidas. It won’t be long before they fear my spears more than your whips.” “You have many slaves, Xerxes, but few warriors. But the, uh, the idea of kneeling, it’s- You see, slaughtering all those men of yours has, uh, well it’s left a nasty cramp in my leg, so kneeling will be hard for me. Such an offer only a madman would refuse. King Leonidas: You are generous as you are divine, O king of kings. Your Athenian rivals will kneel at your feet if you will but kneel at mine. You will carry my battle standard to the heart of Europa. Let every Greek assembled know the truth of this. King Leonidas: Well, that’s an easy choice for us, Arcadian! Spartans never retreat! Spartans never surrender! Go spread the word. King Leonidas: Spartans! Prepare for glory!ĭaxos: Glory? Have you gone mad? There is no glory to be had now! Only retreat, or surrender or death! This is where we fight! And this is where THEY DIE!” King Leonidas: Haven’t you noticed? We’ve been sharing our culture with you all morning. All because of a simple misunderstanding. It would be nothing short of madness for you, brave king, and your valiant troops to perish. Xerxes: Come Leonidas, let us reason together. “Spartans! Ready your breakfast and eat hearty… For tonight, we dine in hell!” King Leonidas: It’s an honor to have lived at yours. Stelios: It’s an honor to die at your side. You threaten my people with slavery and death! Oh, I’ve chosen my words carefully, Persian. “You bring the crowns and heads of conquered kings to my city steps. ![]()
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