"Thermopylae: The Battle That Changed the World"

[hoplite14gr]

The place was used to stop invaders in 480 B.C. 279 B.C. 191 B.C 1204 A.D. 1232 A.D.

Don't forget 352/1 BC The Athenians blocked Phillip from advancing south after his victory over Onomarchus.

Thanks for reminding me Paul.
The Athenians had proved superiority of hoplite over archer in Marathon.
The place was disadvantageous for the Persians to exploit their numbers.
After "stampeding" over the Medians and the Kissians in day one, Leonidas felt that the place was defensible. He probably urged the allies to resist even Ydarnes while still the narrow of the Annopea but they thought that discretion was the better part of valor and the plan collapsed
Loosing confidence decides wars. Xerxes still had a strong fleet after Salamis but he also thought discretion was the better part of valor.
Platea proved that archers and cavalry were not up to the task of fighting hoplites or that the Persian generals were not able to use their troops good effect.
Sonme American member decribed Thermopylae as a type of "Greek Alamo" and I think there is much truth in their assertion.

Kind regards