Chapter 4 - Combat Summary

The Spartans defensive tactics center on the terrain of the Hot Gates. A massive cliff wall blocks the path for many, many miles, and only a narrow yards-wide gap at the base of the wall—the so-called Hot Gates—allows access to the Greek homeland beyond. The narrow trail is itself near a cliff which falls to the sea below. Thus, the Spartans must only defend a narrow strip of land against the Persian attack—the terrain renders the vast Persian numbers far less effective than otherwise would be the case. Nearby stone walls have been constructed which further restrict the Persians' movement and funnel their attacks into a confined and narrow place.

The Persian army engages the Spartans in combat at the Hot Gates. The Greeks form into a hoplite phalanx composed of lines of...